Super Loser
Elysian Brewing Company

 

 

22oz bottle I picked up at Costco this month. Not simply a stronger version of Loser, this is a barrel-aged pale ale. So says the bottle. Served in a pint glass. Beer is cloudy, muddled orange, with a slightly sweet, fruity aroma. Flavor is barrel-forward, with oaky vanilla and syrupy goodness. Like a pale ale barleywine maybe? It's hoppy, but only a little. It's malty, but only enough to support the barrel flavors which are clearly the centerpiece of this offering. Kind of reminds me of homebrew, both in its simplicity, and in its defects.

Interesting blend, has both qualities of an American strong ale with the oakiness of a delicious bourbon. High alcohol but well carbonated with a medium thin mouthfeel. Any hop flavors have been well buried under a prominent barrel taste that almost is like I’m taking a shot, although much smoother