Rum Barrel Dos Goatees
Red Lodge Ales

i was hugely stoked to see a beer this ambitious and unique on tap when i was in. not sure i have ever had a doppelbock aged in rum before, and im surprised the abv isnt higher, surely some amount of alcohol would come in from the barrel no? in any event, its smooth, complex, and autumnal to the max, deeply copper colored and with some head from the faucet. smells like toasted coconut, molasses, burnt sugar, and baked bread, the sweetness of the rum and the malt marrying well and really coming to the fore, but with some cool nuance as well, old oak, german lager yeast, and figs and raisins. the flavor is all of this, even a light dry cocoa note in the mix, some maple, toffee, red apple, and subtle vanilla from the oak and the rum too. i also get a distinct cola taste as it warms on the finish, and a little alcohol, despite it not being listed as super strong. its mellow though, smooth and well lagered and patiently aged, i was impressed with the base beer on its own, and the barrel ageing really kicks it up a notch, thoughtfully done for sure. its not diabetic as i feared it would be, and some of its old world lager characteristics come out and prevent that thankfully. a little light on carbonation, but not overly full in body, so it still drinks. a perfect sipper on a chilly fall evening, and one of the more exciting beers i have ever seen on their menu here. very well done and super original!