Rocky's Revenge Bourbon Brown | Tyranena Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Tyranena Brewing Company
Wisconsin, United States
tyranena.com
Style: American Brown Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 6.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
Deep in the darkest depths of Rock Lake dwells a great saurian known today as Rocky. The legend of Rocky is old. The ancient inhabitants of Aztalan warned of the beast by building a giant serpent mound at the lake's edge. The early residents of Lake Mills were forewarned of a guardian placed in its lake to protect its sacred stone tepees. And history tells of numerous encounters with Rocky, who became a source of great worry and fear. Although not seen for over a century, divers still experience a feeling of dread and being watched. Enjoy Rocky's Revenge, our offering to this legendary protector of Tyranena.
Added by Winter on 11-13-2004
HISTOGRAM
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Ratings: 896 | Reviews: 376
Reviews by mrseano:
4.32/5 rDev +15.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Brown with retaining head and some lacing.
S: Great smell, could pick up on bourbon and coffee-like notes. Complex enough where you can pick up on multiple scents each smell.
T: Tasty beer. This balances the bourbon flavor with vanilla and a hint of mocha/coffee. Impressed so far!
M: Medium-to-full bodied, thicker than your average brown ale.
O: Good, tasty beer. Would definitely try again soon if I can find it on tap again. Tried at Il Gatto during happy hour in Minneapolis. The coffee notes/tastes surprised me and the bourbon (toned down from full bourbon taste unlike other bourbon beer I've had) was pleasant.
626 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Brown with retaining head and some lacing.
S: Great smell, could pick up on bourbon and coffee-like notes. Complex enough where you can pick up on multiple scents each smell.
T: Tasty beer. This balances the bourbon flavor with vanilla and a hint of mocha/coffee. Impressed so far!
M: Medium-to-full bodied, thicker than your average brown ale.
O: Good, tasty beer. Would definitely try again soon if I can find it on tap again. Tried at Il Gatto during happy hour in Minneapolis. The coffee notes/tastes surprised me and the bourbon (toned down from full bourbon taste unlike other bourbon beer I've had) was pleasant.
626 characters
More User Reviews:
3.36/5 rDev -9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Bright, brown/garnet with a quick slightly off-white foam lacing, retention, and stick.
Grainy/steely in the nose. Mineral and light fresh grist. Soft floral in the background.
Medium-bodied, firm water feel. Nutty malts. Quite dry from the bourbon barrel aging, but some thin residual sweetness remains. Light chocolate, toasted bread crusts, faint vanilla/coconut. Bourbon is only slightly detectable on the palate, becoming more pronounced at the swallow point and in general as the beer warms. Lifting semi-citric sharpness provides bitterness and is amplified by some prickly carbonation that also creates a quick lived creamy feel on the palate. Thin bourbon flavors linger for quite sometime. Dry/nutty finish.
Interesting, but not overly interesting as far as bourbon aged beers go. This could have used more malt backbone, but I did like the subtle bourbon flavor. Perhaps a bit too subtle, but the levels worked for this Brown Ale. Just enough to seep into the palate and let you know its there.
1,016 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Bright, brown/garnet with a quick slightly off-white foam lacing, retention, and stick.
Grainy/steely in the nose. Mineral and light fresh grist. Soft floral in the background.
Medium-bodied, firm water feel. Nutty malts. Quite dry from the bourbon barrel aging, but some thin residual sweetness remains. Light chocolate, toasted bread crusts, faint vanilla/coconut. Bourbon is only slightly detectable on the palate, becoming more pronounced at the swallow point and in general as the beer warms. Lifting semi-citric sharpness provides bitterness and is amplified by some prickly carbonation that also creates a quick lived creamy feel on the palate. Thin bourbon flavors linger for quite sometime. Dry/nutty finish.
Interesting, but not overly interesting as far as bourbon aged beers go. This could have used more malt backbone, but I did like the subtle bourbon flavor. Perhaps a bit too subtle, but the levels worked for this Brown Ale. Just enough to seep into the palate and let you know its there.
1,016 characters
3.75/5 rDev +0.5%
Not really brown this pours a more auburn like color. The nose is a light divide between barrel and brown. I catch some barley malt, chocolate malt, creamy coconut, vanilla and brownie batter. The flavor is light and the feel a bit thin but it tastes quite good. Coconut is prominent with chocolate malts, brownie, light vanilla, butterscotch and an oak wood. Not a bad choice when looking for a cheaper barrel aged beer.
421 characters
Not really brown this pours a more auburn like color. The nose is a light divide between barrel and brown. I catch some barley malt, chocolate malt, creamy coconut, vanilla and brownie batter. The flavor is light and the feel a bit thin but it tastes quite good. Coconut is prominent with chocolate malts, brownie, light vanilla, butterscotch and an oak wood. Not a bad choice when looking for a cheaper barrel aged beer.
421 characters
3.79/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dark amber body; one-finger thick head. A bit of nutty aroma; some roasted grain quality. Excellent malted grain flavor; some brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Medium body; smooth; semi-sweet mouthfeel.
A solid brown ale, malty with a nice touch of rich sweetness, nicely balanced with a mild hop bitterness.
314 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dark amber body; one-finger thick head. A bit of nutty aroma; some roasted grain quality. Excellent malted grain flavor; some brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Medium body; smooth; semi-sweet mouthfeel.
A solid brown ale, malty with a nice touch of rich sweetness, nicely balanced with a mild hop bitterness.
314 characters
4.03/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance I dont find American Browns one of the more visually appealing styles, but this one looks mighty good. The brown body is hazy and clouded, and the head actually came up well and showed good retention.
Smell The plain malts and light hopping opened up as the ale warmed. The brown and raw sugars came out after ten minutes or so and the toasty bread nicely rounded out this bouquet.
Taste The malts dominate of course at the taste, with the sugars now stepping back to a mere subtle compliment. There might be some leafy hopping in here as well. This guy doesnt try to do anything fancy, just fit the style which it nicely does.
This beer is aged in bourbon barrels. A lot of bourbon barrel aged beers taste like nothing but bourbon, but here the flavor is very subtle. You might not even notice it if you werent looking for it.
Mouthfeel Rockys Revenge is a solid medium-bodied with some cold bitterness throughout the drink.
Drinkability I enjoyed putting away this Tyranena offering. Its very even-handed, showing the brewers restraint throughout.
Comments Thanks to BuckeyeNation for laying this one on me.
1,172 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance I dont find American Browns one of the more visually appealing styles, but this one looks mighty good. The brown body is hazy and clouded, and the head actually came up well and showed good retention.
Smell The plain malts and light hopping opened up as the ale warmed. The brown and raw sugars came out after ten minutes or so and the toasty bread nicely rounded out this bouquet.
Taste The malts dominate of course at the taste, with the sugars now stepping back to a mere subtle compliment. There might be some leafy hopping in here as well. This guy doesnt try to do anything fancy, just fit the style which it nicely does.
This beer is aged in bourbon barrels. A lot of bourbon barrel aged beers taste like nothing but bourbon, but here the flavor is very subtle. You might not even notice it if you werent looking for it.
Mouthfeel Rockys Revenge is a solid medium-bodied with some cold bitterness throughout the drink.
Drinkability I enjoyed putting away this Tyranena offering. Its very even-handed, showing the brewers restraint throughout.
Comments Thanks to BuckeyeNation for laying this one on me.
1,172 characters
3.81/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On tap at Wonders pub.
Appearance: Bright brown with garnet hues. Beautiful stark white head. Lasting. Sticky.
Nose: Minerals and metal, subtle floral notes. Coconut malts (if there is such a thing?)
Taste: Nutty with bits of rye toast, light chocolate, and vanilla. Could use a bit more bourbon. When I have had this beer straight from the brewery, the bourbon was almost overpowering. I loved it yet here at Wonders their keg leaves me wanting more. I will admit that this seemingly dumbed down version is more drinkable.
Mouthfeel: Dry. Medium bodied. Residual sweetness from the malts but very little.
Drinkability: Quite good, higher than most bourbon beers.
683 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On tap at Wonders pub.
Appearance: Bright brown with garnet hues. Beautiful stark white head. Lasting. Sticky.
Nose: Minerals and metal, subtle floral notes. Coconut malts (if there is such a thing?)
Taste: Nutty with bits of rye toast, light chocolate, and vanilla. Could use a bit more bourbon. When I have had this beer straight from the brewery, the bourbon was almost overpowering. I loved it yet here at Wonders their keg leaves me wanting more. I will admit that this seemingly dumbed down version is more drinkable.
Mouthfeel: Dry. Medium bodied. Residual sweetness from the malts but very little.
Drinkability: Quite good, higher than most bourbon beers.
683 characters
3.63/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
3.75/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.58/5 rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
The Rocky's Revenge Bourbon Brown pours from the stubby 12oz'er a dark brown with garnet accents. A small khaki head of foam falls quickly to a ring inside the glass. Aromas begin with sweet caramel and a toasted nutty maltiness. A shot of vanilla and a bit of dark fruit. I don't really pull any bourbon out of the aroma.
First sip brings a toasted caramel maltiness upfront with a bit nutty accent. A somewhat strong vanilla flavor moves in that gets to be a bit much halfway through the glass, along with a bit of butterscotch. Subtle notes of cocoa and hops. Finishes with a touch of bourbon.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied. Lots of fast moving carbonation smooths it out on the way down. An easy drinking beer that just falls off a bit on the flavor profile for me. I don't think I could have more than one or two in a sitting personally. Overall, a unique brown ale that steps outside the norm a bit.
909 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
The Rocky's Revenge Bourbon Brown pours from the stubby 12oz'er a dark brown with garnet accents. A small khaki head of foam falls quickly to a ring inside the glass. Aromas begin with sweet caramel and a toasted nutty maltiness. A shot of vanilla and a bit of dark fruit. I don't really pull any bourbon out of the aroma.
First sip brings a toasted caramel maltiness upfront with a bit nutty accent. A somewhat strong vanilla flavor moves in that gets to be a bit much halfway through the glass, along with a bit of butterscotch. Subtle notes of cocoa and hops. Finishes with a touch of bourbon.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied. Lots of fast moving carbonation smooths it out on the way down. An easy drinking beer that just falls off a bit on the flavor profile for me. I don't think I could have more than one or two in a sitting personally. Overall, a unique brown ale that steps outside the norm a bit.
909 characters
3.42/5 rDev -8.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
12 oz bottle courtesy of Deniz, thanks man!
This beer poured a translucent brown with a thin 1 inch head. The head died quickly and left a little lacing on the glass. The smell of bourbon is prevalent, as is caramel. I found the taste matched the smell. This beer was very thin for me and I didn't enjoy that aspect of it. Overall, this beer is a great session beer and nothing more.
384 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
12 oz bottle courtesy of Deniz, thanks man!
This beer poured a translucent brown with a thin 1 inch head. The head died quickly and left a little lacing on the glass. The smell of bourbon is prevalent, as is caramel. I found the taste matched the smell. This beer was very thin for me and I didn't enjoy that aspect of it. Overall, this beer is a great session beer and nothing more.
384 characters
4.25/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
3.82/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Many thanks to onecrazymofo for this normally, out of reach brew...sounds interesting enough and I love the artwork on the label.
Pours unlike your typical brown ale...has a cloudy, dark cherry tint to it, making it look more like a English style barleywine.
A generous off-white head appears, but dissipates fairly quick. A nice coating remains on top for the duration of the pint.
Nothing overpowering in the nose, but I enjoy what is hitting me...cherries mainly, and definitely the oak as well.
Taste is enjoyable and unlike anything I have tried...not one flavor pushing its way in front of the others. Well balanced and the malt giving it just a touch of sweetness.
Mouthfeel is a bit thin, but the carbonation is perfect.
Not sure I would prefer to make a session out of this brew personally, but could easily be done.
Only my second brew from Tyranena...I am impressed so far.
891 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Many thanks to onecrazymofo for this normally, out of reach brew...sounds interesting enough and I love the artwork on the label.
Pours unlike your typical brown ale...has a cloudy, dark cherry tint to it, making it look more like a English style barleywine.
A generous off-white head appears, but dissipates fairly quick. A nice coating remains on top for the duration of the pint.
Nothing overpowering in the nose, but I enjoy what is hitting me...cherries mainly, and definitely the oak as well.
Taste is enjoyable and unlike anything I have tried...not one flavor pushing its way in front of the others. Well balanced and the malt giving it just a touch of sweetness.
Mouthfeel is a bit thin, but the carbonation is perfect.
Not sure I would prefer to make a session out of this brew personally, but could easily be done.
Only my second brew from Tyranena...I am impressed so far.
891 characters
4.47/5 rDev +19.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: dark brown in color, hazy, minimal head, moderate carbonation
Smell: dark chocolate and coconut
Taste: complex-chocolate, vanilla, oaking from the whiskey and a touch of coconut taste
Mouthfeel: sweet with a dry end, moderate carbonation, medium-heavy bodied
Overall: One of the best beers I had on my recent trip out west. I love the complexity and there is a bit of a taste of coconut that really makes this stand apart. This one reminds me almost of a good candy bar mixed with beer--may not sound good but is fantastic. This would be a regular staple in my fridge if I could get it here. Fantastic beer.
623 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: dark brown in color, hazy, minimal head, moderate carbonation
Smell: dark chocolate and coconut
Taste: complex-chocolate, vanilla, oaking from the whiskey and a touch of coconut taste
Mouthfeel: sweet with a dry end, moderate carbonation, medium-heavy bodied
Overall: One of the best beers I had on my recent trip out west. I love the complexity and there is a bit of a taste of coconut that really makes this stand apart. This one reminds me almost of a good candy bar mixed with beer--may not sound good but is fantastic. This would be a regular staple in my fridge if I could get it here. Fantastic beer.
623 characters
4/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks to Exiled for sharing this bottle.
The beer pours a clear light brown color with a tan head. The aroma is grain, caramel malt and little wood. The flavor is caramel with some chocolate and toffee. I don't get much bourbon in the aroma or flavor. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation.
294 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks to Exiled for sharing this bottle.
The beer pours a clear light brown color with a tan head. The aroma is grain, caramel malt and little wood. The flavor is caramel with some chocolate and toffee. I don't get much bourbon in the aroma or flavor. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation.
294 characters
3.42/5 rDev -8.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pours a light mahogany color. Sweet malt on the nose with maybe just the slightest smell of bourbon, but barely. Tastes pretty much like it smells. The bourbon is present, but just barely, with mostly sweet malt. Very light mouthfeel, not much body. Also very little carbonation, which fits the beer. I think any more carbonation would ruin it entirely. I've had this before, but not since I've gotten in to craft beers. Just a so so beer. I won't be buying this dude again.
Edit: Now that my nose and pallet are growing, I smell vanilla, and it has a slight vanilla on the pallet as well. I like this better now than I did before. I'm changing the smell, taste, and overall to a 3.5 and apparently I did buy this dude again. It is now my favorite go to beer. Whoda thunk it?
776 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Pours a light mahogany color. Sweet malt on the nose with maybe just the slightest smell of bourbon, but barely. Tastes pretty much like it smells. The bourbon is present, but just barely, with mostly sweet malt. Very light mouthfeel, not much body. Also very little carbonation, which fits the beer. I think any more carbonation would ruin it entirely. I've had this before, but not since I've gotten in to craft beers. Just a so so beer. I won't be buying this dude again.
Edit: Now that my nose and pallet are growing, I smell vanilla, and it has a slight vanilla on the pallet as well. I like this better now than I did before. I'm changing the smell, taste, and overall to a 3.5 and apparently I did buy this dude again. It is now my favorite go to beer. Whoda thunk it?
776 characters
3.93/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Serving glass: Poured from bottle into Imperial Pint.
Appearance: Dark reddish brown as expected, but struggles for much head.
Smell: Caramel and chocolate, with some light bourbon.
Taste: Bourbon is noticeable upfront, along with the expected Brown Ale players of chocolate, caramel, cherry and nuts. The finish has floral components, as well as oak.
Feel: Moderately carbonated, medium-bodied beer with a somewhat drying finish.
Overall: Pretty much as described, as standard Brown Ale with bourbon, which elevates the good, but not great, base beer. Nice to see bourbon used for a lower alcohol beer.
608 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Serving glass: Poured from bottle into Imperial Pint.
Appearance: Dark reddish brown as expected, but struggles for much head.
Smell: Caramel and chocolate, with some light bourbon.
Taste: Bourbon is noticeable upfront, along with the expected Brown Ale players of chocolate, caramel, cherry and nuts. The finish has floral components, as well as oak.
Feel: Moderately carbonated, medium-bodied beer with a somewhat drying finish.
Overall: Pretty much as described, as standard Brown Ale with bourbon, which elevates the good, but not great, base beer. Nice to see bourbon used for a lower alcohol beer.
608 characters
Rocky's Revenge Bourbon Brown from Tyranena Brewing Company
Beer rating:
3.73 out of
5 with
896 ratings
0 characters. We love reviews! Turn your rating into one with ≥ 150 characters.
In English, explain why you're giving this rating. Your review must discuss the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) and your overall impression in order to indicate that you have legitimately tried the beer. Nonconstructive reviews may be removed without notice and action may be taken on your account.