Rahr BBAWW $16 this year....what?

It's 11.99 at the couple HEB's where I've seen it in Austin.

 

"Cicerphones"...excellent, lol.

 

Drinking it now...

This beer has dipped greatly in quality over last year... almost no bourbon barrel characteristics in the initial taste (it's just barely there) and a slight woodiness in the aftertaste. As a result, it's a dryer and less sweet beer than it was last year. I actually added a bit of 1792 to the top, which improved things.

Skip this. Get a 6-pack of the regular version if need be. I'd dare to say this ain't even worth the $8.99 it was last year. $5.99 would be my ALV (Actual Lutter Value).

I get to wondering if they used 2nd use BB on this or reused last years barrels and blended it even further. The bourbon flavor is that subdued.

 

I agree. No bourbon flavor, especially when compared to last year. Perhaps the person that added 'coconut' to Stone's R&R Coconut IPA is the same person that 'barrel aged' this beer!

Merry Christmas ya'll!

 

You may be making less percentage wise but profit per bottle has increased. last year you profited $2.83 per bottle, this year $4.70. So good for you, assuming you don't sit on those bottles for months.

 

Please do tell where..
I need this beer for a trade and I'd rather save a couple of bucks on it.

 

Parmer and McNeil had it for 11.99. I picked up one last weekend. No idea if there are any left or not.

 

Round rock heb plus that still has them as of yesterday. Can't remember the other one(I shop at 5 or so diff HEB's). I'd think it would be pretty close to the same price at all Austin area HEB's.

 

Awesome either or those work for my area.. thanks.

 

Never had it before. Picked up a bottle at Plano WF for 14.99. Had it on tap this afternoon. It sucks. OK, maybe a bit harsh but no barrel and a $7 bomber at best. Gonna see if I can return my bottle as WF will take back anything.

 

I know I'm in the minority here, but actually kind a like it this year. Very understated bourbon flavor, which, while not popular, is a nice contrast to the over-the-top style, like with with BCBS.

That being said, it's definitely not worth the 14.99 price. But I would be very willing to pay 10.99 for this one.

 

Cool packaging
Decent beer
No Bourbon
No barrel

 

lol, why is everyone on this thread surprised at how this beer tastes? its been tasting like this for over 2 years now

 

I think a lot of people may have had this as one of their first barrel aged beers and probably pretty early on in their beer geek-ness. Over time their palates have changed as they've had better beers and it doesn't live up to memories.

That and the beer is made by a mediocre brewery that is most likely trying to increase qty on the market and profit. Hence lower quality product. Sadly at the expense of the customer.

 

I think the product itself is a fine example of an English style winter ale that's aged 70% in bourbon barrels. It's subtle and not over the top. While it may not be the beer geek's ultimate choice, if it helps others learn more about barrel aged beers because it won't punch them in the mouth with over the top whiskey/bourbon flavor, then who are we to complain about it?

Many of my friends are just now getting into craft beers and really enjoy Rahr's Bourbon Barrel Winter Warmer. I absolutely love it when I see a post by a new craft drinker that they're trying this for the first time and love it.

We are not the only demo out there, and I think people sometimes fail to remember that. Respecting the beer is still important. Someone made it with care and attention. I don't think anyone would argue that this is a BAD product. By bad, I mean it actually tastes off. It may not suit your personal tastes, but it's a well made, subtle beer that the brewery intended to taste this way.

I do think the pricepoint is off this year though, and consumer demand will tell us whether or not that's the case.

PS: This post isn't necessarily directed at you @DanzBorin I just happened to quote your post because it was the most recent.

 

I think price is the most glaring issue. Claims that it tastes the same as the regular WW is another.

I think Karbach and Rahr both layer eggs with their BBA winter beers.

 

Fyi, WF will not take back liquor and the beer guy at plano park store is not a very nice guy

 

Most retailers will not allow the return of alcoholic beverages, though it is not illegal. Many places wrongly cite the TABC code, stating it's illegal to return alcoholic beverages once purchased, but this is not the case.

Also, which guy at Whole Foods? I know John (bald guy, mid 40's) and he's a solid dude; known him for years. He's a previous Flying Saucer manager and VERY longtime member of the local beer community. Don't know the rest of the crew though.

 

Thanks again! I just got some there, if anyone is still looking for it.. there's still quite a bit.

 

I think it's nice to see a BBA beer that doesn't overwhelm the base beer with barrel/bourbon. However, I think we're all in agreement that if the beer is a blend of BBA and non-BBA it shouldn't be priced at the same point as beers that are 100% BBA that are more expensive to produce. I also thought the base beer this go was itself sort of a letdown which makes the beer far, far overpriced for what it is. There's too much solid competition in the BBA market to put out a beer that seems to be getting lesser in quality but greater in price.