The Antidote
Newport Beach Brewing Company

 

12 ounce glass from the source this afternoon, nice surprise after stopping by Hi-Times, color is a dark orange mixed with red, 1/2 inch creamy white head that lurks for a few minutes, no lacing, aroma consists of mild bourbon, vanilla, earthy hops, toffee, caramel, sweet malts, sugar, grassy accents, and mild booze, flavor starts off with caramel and vanilla, malty in the middle with just a hint of bourbon,finishes pretty dry with a more earthy than piney hop flavor, lots of malts you would expect from an amber with a hoppy and whiskey infused finish, have not really had anything like this before, dry, earthy, sweet, warming, and malty mouthfeel, medium bodied, moderate to strong level of carbonation for a strong ale, taste lingers for a while, smooth and alcohol hidden except for the little bourbon coming and going, dryness from hops helps prevent this from being overly sweet, interesting concept, definitely tastes like the IPA was blended with the beer later on rather than sitting in a barrel for a long period of time, regardless of the method it works, would like to drink again, recommended

On-tap at the NBBC, this is Bourbon Barrel Aged Riptide Red blended with Village Idiot IPA, American Strong Ale seemed to fit it best,

A: Pours a hazy orange with a firm white head, excellent concentric lace.

S: Notes of the oak barrel, whiskey, caramel malt.

T: Initially the beer is heavy on the whiskey and vanilla. But the barrels don't steal the show. Great red malt mixed with heavy pine and white grapefruit bitterness from the IPA create an intriguing blend. Long, fruity aftertaste.

M: Full-bodied, robust, strong feel in the mouth. Moderate carbonation. Alcohol is very well hidden. You know you're drinking something big with this one.

D: A delicious one-off from the NBBC, they certainly know how to make good beer. I don't know the exact ABV, but I'd reckon it's around 10%, I could feel it after one. A very good barrel aged brew, glad I got to try it, thanks dbONE for the post.