Is it me or is it the BCBS?

I would say yes, if you arent used to boozy beers then I can see that. I drink a lot of high abv beers and I am a huge bourbon fan so I love the smell.

 

I'm planning on having my first BCBS tonight and I have pretty much the same fear.

 

Don't be fearful of beer

 

Dont let the smell deter you, it tastes amazing.

 

I do not mean this in a condescending way, but maybe BCBS just isn't for you. Some popular beers just are not for everyone and that's totally ok, you don't have to force it.

 

It can be an acquired taste. I remember at first being like...wow this is straight alcohol and it was rough to consume a lot. Now they are one of my favorites. Its kinda similar to your first experience with an IPA

 

Let is sit for a year. Then try em.

 

I would say it's you and not being used to it. I hated Founders Old Curmudgeon the first time I had it in 2009. I decided to try it again within the past year and I think it's great. Just takes time.

 

Yeah I would def try others, not to compare with an IPA again, but Its kinda like going for Ruination as your first.

 

Being lucky enough to be at a 4 year vertical tasting recently, I can say it mellows a lot with age. But as a bourbon barrel aged beer it is pretty tame on the bourbon influence imo. There are other beers out there with much more of a bourbon bite.

 

If you don't want your I'll take them. No charge. Lol

 

Also, drink it at the right temp. Not cold but cool. Let it sit in a snifter, warm up and breathe a bit. The flavors will start to pop.

 

The first BCBS I had was a surprise - that huge nose of alcohol is something I'd never encountered. I think it is better when warmed, but still is a big nose. I might disagree a bit with others here on the taste. I love it, but it is heavy on the alcohol, as well.

Still, at the end of the day, it is a unique and satisfying brew. Just make sure you keep in mind that this is a pure sipper. Not a beer to swig or consume quickly.

I personally think of it as the beer-booze hybrid. Which works well for me.

 

I don't know man. First time I tried it was how I discovered love.

 

Is it common to associate the bourbon smell with that of alcohol? To me, they're certainly different (you can have one, the other, or both).

My wife despises bourbon and therefore associates the smell with that "yicky" taste.

 

That is exactly me. I really wanted to like it, but it was too boozy aroma and taste for me. It tasted like bourbon to me. I actually like bourbon, but when I want a beer I want a beer. Not that it wouldn't be delicious after a hard day's skiing.