Grandma's Sleigh Ride
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery

Served in a snifter at the brewpub.

The barrel-aged selection du jour. It pours a clear sunset amber-garnet topped by a finger of light dirty ecru foam. The nose comprises rye bread, sourdough, sour cream, nutmeg, oak, whiskey, cherry, tequila, light roasted malts, and a few dashes of cinnamon. I think it's just too many semi-conflicting smells for a coherent and fully pleasant aroma to shine through. The taste is equally schizoid, but has two primary personalities. The first, at the beginning, consists of caramel, pepper, hot cinnamon, raisins, and red apples. The second, moving toward the finish, comprises Jack Daniels, nutmeg, oak, light vanilla, and chocolate. For me, the bourbon (I was told what barrel they used, but neglected to either write it down or remember, but I do know the word Reserve was involved...as much as that helps...) was a bit too present, too bourbon-y, for my liking, as though this were more a blend of beer and bourbon than a bourbon barrel-aged beer. The body is a light-ish medium, with a light carbonation and a fairly smooth feel. Overall, as much as the bourbon is something of a turn-off for me here, the rest of the flavors and the nice feel make up for it, allowing the drinkability to resist the pull into oblivion. I'm glad I got to try this.

""Grandma's" is a Belgian-style spiced red ale which was aged for at least 6.5 months in a bourbon oak barrel. This beer will only be taken out of the barrel as it is needed so as the holiday season gets later, our Grandma's Sleigh Ride will be aged longer. The first barrel to be tasted has been aged 6.5 months. The next barrel is already at 8 months and could go a couple of more weeks before being emptied. Make sure to try all of the barrels and compare the characteristics of each. There are a total of three barrels to try"

Served in a snifter at Flossmoor Station.

A - Poured with a half-finger of tan foam that settles to a thin cap, leaving behind a few tiny spots of lace. Hazed brown body with ruby highlights when held to the light.

S - Huge bourbon, oak, vanilla, cotton candy malt character, and some nebulous spicy esters.

T - Again, massive bourbon flavor, coconuts, and some sweet cranberry and tart apple flavor late, and then a bitter and oaky lingering aftertaste.

M - Smooth medium body, medium carbonation, a bit of alcohol warmth, and then a sticky and tannic finish.

D - The base beer kind of got obliterated by the Woodford Reserve barrels (I'm guessing this was the 8 month aged version?). Thankfully, I like Woodford Reserve, so this was still pretty enjoyable. Shared the snifter with Justin, and that was probably the appropriate serving size.