Double Whiskey
Barley Brown's Brewpub

Double Whiskey is (not surprisingly) an imperial or "double" version of Barley Brown's Whiskey Malt Ale. However, I think it's much more than a high gravity variant of its milder cousin. Whiskey Malt was an ale in need of doubling to begin with. Double Whiskey is a big smoky ale, perhaps like an imperial rauchbier. (I'm listing it as a barleywine out of convenience.) It smells like last night's campfire or the hills outside Baker City during fire season. This smell may hold greater emotional appeal than sensory, but at some level there's no difference between the two and I'll definitely take what this has to offer.

Double Whiskey (the name sounds like Air Force radio jargon, or have I just seen too many movies?) is tawny garnet color, or as the woman next to me at the bar called it, "tiger's eye." Smoke malts capture much of the flavor but are thankfully not overplayed. Likewise, the beer projects a significant measure of alcoholic bite but within acceptable limits.

An interesting strong smoked ale that makes for a worthy late night sipper.