Willi Funk Hammer - Dickel Barrel-Aged
Willimantic Brewing Co.

 

2009 vintage, 10.2% estimated. Had this from the cask at Willimantic Brewing in Willimantic, CT. Poured into a snifter. Brewed in a wild ale style -- second usage of a bourbon barrel with some natural bacteria action going on. A chocolate hued beer with a thin white head. Pomegranate and rooibus flavored bitter tea notes with a whiskey scent and a sour-sweet finish (probably the wild cultures in the flavor). Very earthy taste like lamb. Smooth ethanol comes out as it warms. A very smooth sipping barleywine that isn't too intense on the throat. Liked this a lot!

 

 

 

The beer pours a dark amber color with a thick frothy off-white head that fades to lacing. The aroma is good. It has a nice sour aroma laid over a traditional barleywine scent. It has a dry malty feel with a bit of alcohol warmth. The barrel character isn't as pronounced as their other offering the IPA squared. The taste is good. Again, it's a solid barleywine; malty, dry, warm, but this has a very nice sourness to it. The brett character is quite refreshing. Also, it hides the alcohol heat quite well. The mouthfeel is fine. It is a full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a good drinking barleywine. It's nothing exceptional, but it's definitely extreme!