Unlikely combinations that work for you

Well to be fair barrel aging in spent wine barrels =/= mixing "wine with [your] beer." That being said, I think the crossover and marrying of new and different flavors can enhance the experience for those who have a curious palate. These fringe beers aren't for everyone except the curious who will try it just because like myself. Traditionally made beer has a plethora of combinations possible without adding or aging anything so there's still so much to discover without wacky gimmicks but sometimes they are fun and quirky, I think they make beer fun.

 

It's been 5-6 years since I tried my first beer that was aged in tequila barrels on tap at a brewery, and quite honestly I didn't think I'd like it because of the conflicting flavore of the hops and tequilla. I think it was a Belgian IPA, and I absolutely loved it. I've had several tequila barrel-aged hoppy beers since then, and I've liked every one.

 

All that being said, one of my favorite beers is the Pojala Gooseberry Imperial Saison aged in Chardonnay wine barrels. Solid beer made with wild ingredients but it works.
https://pohjalabeer.com/cellar-series

 

Crooked Run's Virtue, an imperial stout that was aged in port wine barrels was one that I recently had, and I really enjoyed it. A tiny bit sweet from the port, but oh so good! https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/48463/376636/

 

Back in the 70s when I was a teenager, the rule was do not mix wine and beer unless you like getting sick. I can confirm that this thought, which was prevalent back then, was bogus.

 

That sounds like something I'd like too. Relatively easy to find? I'm going to be in CA is two weeks and might look for it if it's in distro.

 

If you're coming to California and are in the Long Beach area hit me up, we have quite a few interesting breweries down here that might be worth your while between LA and San Diego.

 

Would love to vhit-up your place, but I'll be in South Bay and Yosemite areas. Maybe some other time.

 

“Sneaky Pete’s” are always welcome. My old man tops off his spot of red wine from dinner with a beer. I’ve mixed a splash of good tequila blanco with a raspberry wheat, bourbon in a super malty dipa, even a cheap fruity and oaky red blend in an imperial stout. All have been...somehow pretty good.

 

This one got me over the hump on trying big stouts with adjuncts thrown in:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26762/98076/?ba=Premo88#review

Karbach's Cherries of Fire. The base porter was so good I thought it didn't need additives. The bourbon-barrel aged version was so good I thought how could it get better. Then I tried Cherries of Fire. It got better.

Also this one:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/24018/75396/?ba=Premo88#review

Jester King's Black Metal Stout. Farmhouse funk meets big stout. Seemed like a weird combination but, boy, does it work.

 

I'll play. Metric Brewing (here in COS) had a recent Black IPA ("Nightman") with wormwood, citrus peel, and black licorice added in. Basically a Fernet IPA. Funky weird. Still loved it. Others at the bar had...uh... mixed feelings. Love or hate.

 

I was at a local liquor store talking to the manager - and he asked if I wanted to buy a growler for $1. He said the flip-top bottle was worth more. The beer had been in the growler for a month and he hadn't been able to sell it - so I thought, what the hell. It was a Brau Brothers Maple Bacon Bancreagie scotch ale/wee heavy. And it was incredible - never thought I'd like a bacon beer, but the maple made it work.

 

Ahhhh Brau Brothers. You just reminded me of Village Tart--Sour Ale aged in used oak (whiskey) barrels. Sweet whiskey meets funky brett meets lactic tart. All in a wax-sealed bottle that made me think of Maker's Mark. One of the wildest of wild ales. I am still kicking myself for not tracking down a case of the stuff before it was all gone. The boys from Marshall, MN are underrated for sure.

 

I was aware of chicken porters prior to relocating to northeastern, WI, but I don't know if I will ever have the same reverence for that style of beer that the locals do.

 

Napa Parabola was excellent. I’d choose this over the regular Parabola.

 

Wait...What??

 

A "fernet IPA?" Freaking cool! I bet it's love or hate.

*ahem* @TongoRad