Rickhouse Series #3 - Rye Barrel Ale
Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co.

Had on tap at the Red Heat Tavern in Bedford, MA.

Appearance was attractive with a copper to orange color; absolutely crystal clear. No head, just a thin ring around the edge of the glass, which is a common phenomenon with liquor barrel aged beers. Aromas were low and almost undetectable, even though it was served in an appropriate globe snifter. There was a hint of rye whiskey and nothing else on the nose. The flavors were stronger than aromas, but still not overly assertive. I saw later the base beer is described as an American Strong Ale, but that was not obvious to me because the primary flavor was a pleasantly strong rye whiskey and oak mix and other flavors were too low to detect. The body was thin and the carbonation was low, again common characteristics for barrel aged beers. Moderate alcohol presence. Medium hops bitterness leading to a dry, crisp finish.

If you like whiskey barrel aged beers, you'll like this one, but I would have appreciated some more base beer character coming through.

 

 

On-tap 3/16/2016 at British Beer Company in Walpole, MA, served in a nonic pint glass.

A: The beer is a deep amber color, with a large off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains caramelized malts, rye spice, vanilla, some fruit and some hops.

T: The taste starts out sweet with flavors of caramel, vanilla, brown sugar and some fruit. Then a hearty malt character comes in. The barrel aging essence is easily detectable. The hops presence is mild but complementary and brings a good balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.

O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, good kick, good representation of style, this is a solid beer to drink for a while.