Barrel Aged Brew of '62
Slack Tide Brewing Co.

 

Poured from 22 oz. bottle into a tulip glass. It pours a cloudy reddish-brown color similar to iced tea. There is virtually no head or lacing. It has a bright, fruity nose featuring raisin, apple, and fig, along with caramel, brown sugar, a whiff of molasses, and the distinct smell of the rum barrel. This ale has a completely different taste than the base Brew of '62; it lacks the bitter hop presence and there is more apple, raisin, and a hint of fig. There are also notes of leather, oak, and a very strong Jamaican rum presence. It's far smoother and more mellow than the base ale. The mouth feel seems less viscous - in fact, it's surprisingly thin - and while it has the same 13% ABV, it seems boozier. Overall, this is a really interesting variation on the base ale. While I'm not a rum drinker, I'm enjoying it. My guess is that this version will age well.