Barrel Aged Imperial Red
Hale's Ales Brewery & Pub

 

 

 

 

Pours a luxuriantly foamy dark coppery amber in the tall Belgian glass. Plenty of spritz in the mouth. Lovely smell of the barrel with a distinct Bourbon note.

Sweet but hoppy, with a deep butterscotch flavor. An assertive woody tang with a mellow, boozy bourbon flavor. Lots of vanilla. Hops are bold and aromatic. There's some fruit, orange peel, and a piney finish. It's quite interesting along with the vanilla nose. Nutty with loads of roasted flavors. Just enough sharp edges to keep this from cloying.

This is a highly sippable strong brew. It's one of the better big-hop imperials I've had. Great barrel flavors. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Bottleworks in Seattle.