2024 Bourbon Barrel Series
Oyster Creek Brewing Company

Poured from 22 oz. bottle into a tulip glass. The color is the classic Barleywine orange-brown. Almost no head; just an ecru-colored ring. The smell is spot-on with roasted malt, caramel, raisin, fig, and subtle whiskey. Its flavor is better than expected: Raisin, caramel, and brown sugar-forward, and the whiskey barrel notes are subdued and not distracting. It is not overly sweet. In fact, there is a slightly bitter bite at the finish. The alcohol level is obvious - it is more than just warming. The mouth feel is good but I wish it were a bit more viscous. As said, there is no escaping the 15% ABV. Sip this behemoth slowly. I wish that Oyster Creek had packaged it in a 500 ML bottle. Overall, this English Barleywine exceeded my expectation. When a small brewery ventures into the barrel-aged Barleywine field, you never know what to expect. But Oyster Creek has displayed a deft touch. If I have the chance to purchase more bottles, then I will do so.