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Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co.
- From:
- Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co.
- Kentucky, United States
- Style:
- English Strong Ale
Ranked #26 - ABV:
- 8.19%
- Score:
- 84
Ranked #23,047 - Avg:
- 3.71 | pDev: 17.52%
- Reviews:
- 737
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Mar 01, 2024
- Added:
- Jul 13, 2004
- Wants:
- 172
- Gots:
- 1,114
Award winning Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is a unique sipping beer with the distinctive nose of a well-crafted bourbon. Our Kentucky Ale is aged for up to 6 weeks in freshly decanted bourbon barrels from some of Kentucky’s finest distilleries. Subtle yet familiar flavors of vanilla and oak are imparted to this special ale as it rests in the charred barrels. Pleasantly smooth and robust, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale may also be served as an aperitif or after dinner drink.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by KYBrewgrass:
Reviewed by KYBrewgrass from Kentucky
4.12/5 rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.12/5 rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a KY Bourbon Barrel Ale snifter obtained at a Pazzo's Pint Night years ago... I remember not liking this beer the first time I had it, but oh how my tastes have changed! This is now one of my favorite go-to locals...
A- 4 Pours an attractive, clear burnt orange / amber color with a one finger fluffy white head. The head lacks retention as it dies down quickly but there's a nice ring left around the edges and the tiniest of bubbles lace the glass smoothly.
S- 4.5 Caramel, malt, bourbon and wood... In no particular order. Just balanced and pure. The oak makes its presence felt as much as anything, and the rest composes a nice sweetness that has me itching to raise the glass... The snifter is worthwhile here because there really is some good stuff going on.
T- 4 Though I generally detect the same elements in its taste as I did from the aroma, the taste is notably sweeter and not quite as balanced. That said, it is quite good. I get a bit more caramel and bourbon here, with just a touch of oak on the finish. Though it has a respectable ABV, it is just barely detectable at the end of the drink.
M- 4 KBBA is medium in body with a smooth creaminess that is quite manageable. It is heavier on the palate than I expected from its appearance. It has a good level of carbonation. It is a little syrupy on the finish, with the slightest bit of heat from the alcohol.
D- 4 I really enjoy this beer and could put down a few of them. I don't think I could do it all night because it is a little sweeter than I prefer ideally. Regardless, this is an enjoyable ale with a bourbon presence that fits in nicely. I'd definitely recommend trying this if you enjoy bourbon brews or are visiting KY where you can easily find it in bottles or draft. It also blends well with Guinness, ala a 'black and tan,' and is known as a 'black barrel.' It is a succulent combination... Cheers to Lex-Vegas and the growing popularity of KBBA!
Apr 29, 2011A- 4 Pours an attractive, clear burnt orange / amber color with a one finger fluffy white head. The head lacks retention as it dies down quickly but there's a nice ring left around the edges and the tiniest of bubbles lace the glass smoothly.
S- 4.5 Caramel, malt, bourbon and wood... In no particular order. Just balanced and pure. The oak makes its presence felt as much as anything, and the rest composes a nice sweetness that has me itching to raise the glass... The snifter is worthwhile here because there really is some good stuff going on.
T- 4 Though I generally detect the same elements in its taste as I did from the aroma, the taste is notably sweeter and not quite as balanced. That said, it is quite good. I get a bit more caramel and bourbon here, with just a touch of oak on the finish. Though it has a respectable ABV, it is just barely detectable at the end of the drink.
M- 4 KBBA is medium in body with a smooth creaminess that is quite manageable. It is heavier on the palate than I expected from its appearance. It has a good level of carbonation. It is a little syrupy on the finish, with the slightest bit of heat from the alcohol.
D- 4 I really enjoy this beer and could put down a few of them. I don't think I could do it all night because it is a little sweeter than I prefer ideally. Regardless, this is an enjoyable ale with a bourbon presence that fits in nicely. I'd definitely recommend trying this if you enjoy bourbon brews or are visiting KY where you can easily find it in bottles or draft. It also blends well with Guinness, ala a 'black and tan,' and is known as a 'black barrel.' It is a succulent combination... Cheers to Lex-Vegas and the growing popularity of KBBA!
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by RaulMondesi from California
2.2/5 rDev -40.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.25
2.2/5 rDev -40.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.25
One time I went on a double date with my boy and Jenny I can’t remember her name, while I was paired up with my friend’s sister’s friend. Yes. There we go. Anyway, even going into it, I knew my chick had a bit of a screw loose. So much so that we referred to her as “District 9.” Anyway, as we drove to Angel Stadium, I noticed part of an old, rotten orange in her car’s console. Obviously I asked about it, and she told me that zhe found it on a running trail and she that she put it in her car because she wanted it to smell good (now you know why we called her District 9). Anyway, that orange is this beer to Raul.
Feb 18, 2024Reviewed by Weisenbeer from Ohio
4.21/5 rDev +13.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.21/5 rDev +13.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Well, this brew certainly is its namesake .... Smell bourbon, looks like bourbon, and definitely has some strong hints of bourbon flavor .... If you like bourbon and you like beer, you will like this!
Feb 01, 2024Rated by Beeristhebest from Wisconsin
3.33/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
3.33/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I had an expired bottle but it was still a quality ale. Will find this fresh and enjoy it more.
Nov 24, 2023Reviewed by dajerzy52 from Florida
4.29/5 rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.29/5 rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Notes of bourbon in the nose, sweet malt finished with a hint of hops. Not overly complex.Overall a great beer for the bourbon drinker that wants to have a beer.
Sep 28, 2023Rated by CruzinCooler from New Jersey
3.19/5 rDev -14%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
3.19/5 rDev -14%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
A bit bitter. Not much if a bourbon taste. Strong which is nice.
Aug 24, 2023Reviewed by robwired from Kansas
4.4/5 rDev +18.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.4/5 rDev +18.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
A nose of oak and apple vanilla.
There are flavors of oak, apple vanilla and a tinge of cinnamon.
The mouthfeel is light.
It finishes with caramel and toffee to the palate.
The glass: Rastal Teku.
May 29, 2023There are flavors of oak, apple vanilla and a tinge of cinnamon.
The mouthfeel is light.
It finishes with caramel and toffee to the palate.
The glass: Rastal Teku.
Reviewed by TDM_62
4.99/5 rDev +34.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
4.99/5 rDev +34.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I just recently was in Kentucky. Just picked this beer up in a restaurant and decided to give it a try. I personally find this beer very smooth and have a nice flavor profile. My wife who does not drink a beer or ale at all. When I say at all she has never even attempted to try any beer or ale due to the smell. I asked and out of the blue she said she would try it. She took a sip and then another sip and looked at me and said that is not bad. I live in Missouri but this will be a staple in the refrigerator behind the bar forever!!!!
Apr 07, 2023Reviewed by MadMadMike from France
3.52/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.52/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
12 oz bottle, cold, into a pint glass. Fizzy foam cap washed away quick, left little bubbles on the edge. Frazzled lace.
Smell is wood, toast, maybe vanilla.
Taste is muted. There’s elements of malt, mild hops, vanilla extract (which explains the warmth.,). There’s an artificial element in there.,. flavoring to boost the short time in barrel.
Mouth is light and lively.
Overall? This isn’t cohesive enough to deserve respect from a discerning palate.
Mar 25, 2023Smell is wood, toast, maybe vanilla.
Taste is muted. There’s elements of malt, mild hops, vanilla extract (which explains the warmth.,). There’s an artificial element in there.,. flavoring to boost the short time in barrel.
Mouth is light and lively.
Overall? This isn’t cohesive enough to deserve respect from a discerning palate.
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale from Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co.
Beer rating:
84 out of
100 with
3309 ratings
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