Coco Peaks - Barrel Aged
Sockeye Grill & Brewery

i was super impressed with this one yesterday over at the brewery on fairview, not sure if the alcohol really is as low as its listed here or not, but either way, the beer is fabulous. the barrel character is strong, the beer is smooth and complex, and it doesnt burn or seem overly rich like a lot of them, but im not sure its this minimal either. its shiny near black dark brown in the glass with a short deep tan head and some lace. aroma is french vanilla ice cream, good espresso, some molasses sweetness, and the burnt oak. its got just enough roasted intensity for it to seem well grounded and balanced, the vanilla and honey character from the whiskey is strong here, but the wood softens it, and there is a chocolate layer running through the whole thing as well. sometimes these beers can all taste kind of samey, but this really is distinct and seems unbelievably well refined. a weird choice for a hot sunny afternoon on their patio, but im glad i went for it, its a killer beer. sockeye is underrated when it comes to the barrel aged stuff i reckon, this really is an exceptional example of the style and it takes the base beer to a whole new level. not to be missed, one of their best ive ever had...

Grunt fill from Albertsons. Dark brown, opaque pour, small ring of head. First aroma taken in is the bourbon barrel, then the sweet lacto, and roast grains. Chocolate and vanilla too, more vanilla. Taste falls off a bit, instant milky sweetness, then fades to nothing. Body seems kind of thin too. Aroma is great, but it goes downhill from there. Not bad, just not as "big" as it should be.