Betwixt & Between
Bissell Brothers Brewing Co.

 

 

 

 

 

Fills a double walled snifter with hazy old copper, topped by a thin layer of fine carbonation. A think film leave legs that dangle through to the next sip. The second pour produced a 1/2" short-lived beige head. No lace was observed from either pour.

The aroma opens with dark fruit jumping clean out of the glass. Plumb, fig, and raisins are the usual suspects and hold true here. Subtle notes of bourbon and peat smoke give way to sweet marzipan.

Quite sweet, with rich malt. Prunes join the fig and raisin, while the plumb seems to have dried-up. Bitterness becomes apparent, thou always secondary. The peat, bourbon show-up late, just before a long earth finish. Warmth brings sweetness to the finish and candied nuts to the body, otherwise it further develops the previously mentioned flavors. The marzipan comes on strong toward the end.

A syrupy smooth texture and full body to coat the mouth. Mild alcohol shockingly shows up only after warmth, and never feels anything close to 14.6%. Light carbonation with residual sugar building on the lips.

Some styles are more suited to sipping, and within those styles some beers emphasize the point. This is one such beer, just right for reading or contemplation. I suspect a cigar might work, but best just on it's own. I will finish the bottle as a night-cap later this evening.

There is nicely sharp, biting toffee note taking center stage here. Mixed with that are candied almonds, sugary raisins, smooth whiskey. The finish adds a kind of powdered candy cherry. The mouthfeel is moderately sticky and full. I really like the depth that extended barrel time can add but the quick hit of booze from shorter durations can be really satisfying too and this is a stellar barleywine. Leggy as hell to.