Are barrel-aged beers really beer?

It's beer that's aged in barrels, so yes. Is wine not wine when it's aged in barrels?

 

No, I have a niece who feels the same way.

 

Yes, it IS beer.

 

I'd say that can be a good question. But before I get to that I will say that I love beer. And I love bourbon, or scotch, or rye whiskey. But I loathe beer aged in whiskey barrels... I just can't get through the sweetness and body in the beers with the booziness of the whiskey/rum.

But to the threads question...
Wine aged in barrels is still wine.
Beer (without hops) distilled is moonshine or white dog.
Then when it's aged it's now whiskey. Those drinks change names when aged... So is beer?

I'd say it's still called beer because while moonshine is almost completely changed by the barrel. The alcohol content and long aging times extract a lot of the barrel's essence.
Beer is not normally aged for a very long time unless it's undergoing secondary sour fermentations. Nowadays the only real barrel aging is to add a liquor flavor to be.

 

Yes, To say it is not is like saying Hot Olive Oil isn't Olive Oil. You may not like the plain version but the infused one has a kick you like. Same as the BBA Beers, you tend to like that whiskey bite but not the basic version. To each his own. If It Feels (or tastes) Good, Do It!

 

Seeing you are from Wisconsin you have access to some of the best BA beers out there from Central Waters. Enjoy! And yes it is beer.

 

LOL! If Not Your Father's Root Beer and Cran Brr Ita is beer then the deffinition is so wide that almost ANYTHING that the producer calls beer is beer, Heck I saw some Hard seltzer water at the grocery store and it proclaimed on the box that what inside was beer even though it's listed ingredients didn't include ANY hops.
Yes it's beer.

 

Is beechwood-"aged" horse piss really beer?

This. CW has several different styles in its Brewer's Reserve portfolio, including Stout, Scotch Ale, Barleywine, and Quadrupel. All are excellent beers, with plenty of bourbon and plenty of barrel. Give them a try.

 

It is beer. I think what you are describing is your affection for this style. So you do actually like beer, you just prefer this flavor profile. I would try and branch out into similar profiles and you may find out you enjoy a lot more beer has to offer.
Edit: Have you tried Barleywine or any other style that seems varied from traditional beer styles?
Cheers and happy drinking.

 

I don't think having a very specific palate is all that unique I suppose. 90% or more of beer drinkers never get away from Budweiser and the like. You like what you like I wouldn't force anything.

 

100% agree here, and Central Waters has a wonderful BA list; Stout, Cassian Sunset cinnamon stout, Barleywine, Scotch Ale, and Quad. I like all of them, except the Barleywine, not my favorite style, but it is highly rated. The OP should try all of these. There is also a Cherry Stout but is is tart and has very little BA taste.

Another one to try is New Holland Dragon's Milk, and it's many variants.

Lastly - a tip. If you really want the bourbon taste, drink it cold from the bottle. This will emphasize the bourbon taste, which can decrease if you drink it warm from a glass.

 

It's beer. But it's beer for people who may like rum or bourbon more than they like beer. Relax...you're not alone in this.

 

Absolutely. My double barrel even more Jesus tastes like a barrel influenced beer, not a beer influenced barrel or Bourbon.

 

You are a Good Husband for taking the trouble to indulge your wife's enthusiasm without sharing it. There's a special place in Heaven for people like you.