Barrel Aged Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout
Bristol Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hand down this is the best thing bristol has ever made. i love the warlock, and i felt its always begged for some whiskey barrels. how cool to see the use axe and oak, a local distillery down there, i havent seen any beer in these barrels yet. the whiskey itself is hot but distinct, and it imparts cool flavor to this beer. on tap at falling rock, it has a nice matte look to it, between black and hersheys brown, with a quarter inch of dense grayish brown colored froth. it smells incredible. all of the oat richness and roasty depth of the base beer, but with a wonderful oaky quality. i get as much wood as i do whiskey, which i think is awesome for one of these to have, and the booze thats so profound in the spirit stays well away here in both nose and flavor. the oats are still the leading light for me, which is part of why i like the base beer so much. hints of vanilla and char here from the barrel, but it remains an accent. smooth as can be, the mouthfeel is incredible, liquid velvet all plush and warming and inviting, even mellower from the oak than it normally is, and with just a prickle of carbonation to keep it from stagnating. man this is really good, foamy and frothy on the tongue, rich and decadent without being sweet at all. bristol has very obviously hit a new high note with this one...

edit: not sure if this is meant to be the same as the newly bottles wireless warlock, which is also barrel aged warlock. if it is, i liked them both but preferred it on draft. very cool these guys are getting beers like this out into the market though, this is a very strong offering indeed!

Pours black in color but it is clear and clean. No has or floaters. The head is thick and rocky. Bubbles slowly turn to craters and lots of lacing is left on the glass as the head recedes. The nose has a hint of barrel to it. The texture is a very smooth, creamy, awesomeness. All the flavors are light and enjoyable. Very easy drinking stout. I love the regular winter warlock so much I put a half barrel keg in my keg fridge. Nice having it on tap. Thank you Molly's Liquor. Wish I could have this on tap. Great job to Bristol Brewery and happy St. Paddy's day to all.