Bourbon Aged Scotch Ale
Métier Brewing Company

the favorite of the group from our visit here, myself included, although i liked all three i had. this is a a solid scotch ale, heavy on the bourbon in this iteration, woody and complex, absolutely packed with flavor, warming but not too boozy, perfect for the holiday season, this puts some red in the cheeks for sure, an impressive offering in a style that has kind of fallen away domestically of late it seems. frothy tan head on this from the tap, mid reddish brown and rather hazy, the head saves it from looking messy, but this is pretty dense and on the edge of looking a little unrefined, but thats really my only critique. the aroma is fabulous and the flavor is even better, as much oak as bourbon and thats the sweet spot this hits, vanilla and earth from it, lumber and heavy maturity, amazing with the raisin bread notes from the malt, molasses and toffee here too but its not diabetic, good whiskey with a honey note, some barrel char, and that warm exhale. i love this having some fermentation character, subtle but important here, adding to the bready richness the malt contributes. light spiciness from the wood and whiskey too, especially as this sits a little, creme brulee, burnt orange, leather, pipe tobacco, and brown sugar, absolutely fantastic, complex smoothed out, i taste it forever in the best possible way, a real vanilla recall from the oak. not super heavy in body, especially for this strength, and as much as the barrel makes this, i also would love to try the base beer straight up, enough going to on be intriguing. nice execution on this, love how mature it is, more carbonation than most in this space have which keeps it drinking too. very very good, gets me right in the holiday spirit! also, it was awesome to check out their seattle location, i do not believe they are brewing here, that still happens in woodinville from what i gather, but this place is really rad, funky food, nice selection, some outside space, artsy and modern, and it was a great place to gather with friends. hope to check out the production space at some point, but this seattle locations is definitely recommended!