Cask & Crown
Mason Ale Works

 

 

The can calls this beer "Barleywine Ale and Stout Blend". As the person who added this beer, I did not want to label it as either one. The American Strong Ale style seems to fit this beer better. Poured from a 16 oz. can into a pint glass, this beer provides a potent blend of bourbon barrel aging, strong coffee and rich vinous malt with a fleeting sharp hops/alcohol bite. It definitely makes you take notice!!!! Appearance included a dense, black color with no light coming through. The head was the darkest brown I have ever seen in a beer head. It was very bubbly, medium sized, and faded rapidly to a thin ring around the top of the glass. The aroma and flavor were strong and inviting featuring the elements listed above. The bourbon barrel flavor was not overdone, and the malt, coffee, bitterness and slight sweetness (probably caramel malt) were all allowed to come through. Mouthfeel was rich, mostly smooth for a high. abv beer, with a fleeting alcohol/hops/bourbon barrel "bite". A slow sipper, not necessarily a dessert beer. I had it with a hearty beef/barley soup dinner and enjoyed the pairing.