El Popstar
Cruz Blanca Brewpub

500 ml bottle into a snifter. Late 2020 release, had on 12/31/20.

Pours a clear copper color, with no head and soapy cling. Aromas of rice/malt, some whiskey, light sherry, caramel, some oak, light molasses. Has a light, fruity aroma. The whiskey comes to the front in the flavor, then rice/malt, caramel, some sherry- especially on the finish, a little chocolate. Also has a light, fruity flavor. Smooth, a very good light to medium body, well carbonated.

This really opens up as it warms. The barrels are the prominent feature, with the sherry being more subtle but complimentary to the whiskey. The malted rice is a solid backbone. Different and very enjoyable.

Pours a crystal clear mahogany color. Thin off-white head dissipates pretty quickly leaving just a ring of foam along the outside of the beer. The aroma on this is lovely - notes of sherry, sweet grapes, candied sugars and hints of whiskey. The underlying rice wine is very neutral which allows the whiskey and sherry barrels to shine.

Taste has notes of earthy grains, grassy, with a slight woodiness - it reminds me of Northern Wild Rice if you've ever had that. A moderate bitterness is present with a strong oak and barrel character coming through on the second half into the finish. You get that sweet, sherry grape flavor from the sherry casks, but then you get that smoky, molasses and brown sure whisky barrel character coming through. Together it works really well. There is a bit of heat from the barrel aging to this one - I actually think this would do well with a bit of age on it allowing the barrels to smooth out over time. Feel is quite light - especially for an 11%+ beer. Moderate carbonation - a bit spritzy, but gentle. Rather dry on the finish.

Overall a really nice rice wine from Cruz Blanca.