Apple Bourbon Pie
Brotherton Brewing Company

Pint pour on draught at the brewery. Served in a shaker glass. It pours a cloudy, copper color with a half finger of ecru-color head and thin film of lacing inside the glass. Served quite cold, it took awhile for the nose to develop but it was worth the wait. The aromatic smell includes fresh, tart apple, raisin, vanilla, and brown sugar. The taste is complex. It opens on the fruity side with apple and raisin over brown bread with vanilla/caramel, and notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The bourbon barrel influence is soft and subtle but adds to the sweetness and complexity. There is a spicy, slightly peppery, finish. Its mouthfeel is moderately creamy with pleasant carbonation, and the 7.2% ABV gives it good substance without overpowering. Apple Bourbon Pie simulates the dessert without being gimmicky. I always considered Doppelbock to be a winter style but this was refreshing and enjoyable on a hot July day.