Tap X: Aventinus Barrique - Kentucky Bourbon Barrel
Schneider Weisse G. Schneider & Sohn

33cl bottle at share courtesy of Jeremy. Copper pour, clear, small bubbly head eventually fades away. Aroma is boozy, woody, and the bourbon lingers in the background. taste is sweet malts, wooden and then the alcohol kicks in for some nice glowing warmth. Not overly boozy at 8.2%, but it sure seems like it.

2018 vintage, awesome glass bottle, had higher hopes for this pricey little specimen. its aged in bourbon barrels, a neat treatment for an authentic german offering like this, but even in two years it has gone sour, infected for sure, as there can be no way this was intentional. not was i was hoping or expecting, but its somewhat flattering at least, but that this was ever a lager seems impossible. its caramel colored, hazy, and near still from the bottle, some pellicle bits floating around, and a pungent aroma of cider vinegar and tart fruit, in a state of decomposition for sure, totally unexpected. the flavor is actually not bad even with the acid, fruit vinegar, sour cherry, raisin, red apple, still some remnants of german malt and even wheaty body, and i get some sweet honey and vanilla from the whiskey barrel even now, oaky but with that creeping tangy infection with it, and the finish is a little harsh, especially without any bubbles this just hangs on the palate. i didnt dislike this, but i also didnt finish the bottle, and i couldnt help thinking this was probably pretty rad before it soured, unless it soured in the barrel and they packaged it anyway, which seems improbable. they cant all be winners, but i also dont want to be too harsh on this, love the idea but it may just be past its prime, probably been sitting on a warm shelf for the last couple years, not too many beers thrive under those conditions. hope they do this again and i get to try it fresher...

 

Poured from 11.2 oz. bottle into pilsener glass. It pours a murky brown with orange hues and virtually no head or lacing. The most noticeable smell is oak, along with sweet malt, and tart fruit. I didn't notice any barrel notes in the nose. What an interesting taste! It opens with sweet fruit: apple and pear, then turns quickly sour. It finishes with bourbon notes that are very delicate and subtle. As the glass warms, the bourbon becomes more evident but it's never overpowering; rather, it compliments the sweet and tart flavors nicely. It has a light, crisp feel with mild carbonation, and the 8.2% ABV is barely noticeable. Overall, this is certainly an unusual offering. The flavors mix and compliment well. While not overly potent, I'd still describe it as an after dinner sipper.