Barrel aging ever a detraction?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by PaulyB83, Dec 27, 2013.

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  1. mctizzz

    mctizzz Initiate (0) Dec 23, 2010 California
    Deactivated

    Old Rasputin > BA Old Rasputin
    Port Santa's Little Helper > BA Santa's Little Helper
     
  2. Domingo

    Domingo Grand Pooh-Bah (4,206) Apr 23, 2005 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Pannepot was my first thought. While not a detraction, I'd say Breakfast Stout is arguably just as good as KBS.
     
  3. BradStokley

    BradStokley Initiate (0) Jan 19, 2013 Maryland

    Funny, as I read the first 2 lines of this BBQ popped into my head right away. Spot on.
     
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  4. kort27

    kort27 Zealot (578) Apr 23, 2009 Illinois
    Trader

    Monster 29 was not helped by the barrel.
     
  5. rlcoffey

    rlcoffey Initiate (0) Apr 20, 2004 Kentucky

    I prefer Arrogant Bastard to the Oak-aged.
     
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  6. basickness

    basickness Initiate (0) Apr 20, 2013 Pennsylvania

    bourbon/whiskey barrel aging > plain oak barrel aging
     
  7. Orca

    Orca Grand Pooh-Bah (4,441) Sep 18, 2010 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Not me, man. Aging has definitely given me a richer, more complex character. I've even been acquiring a more barrel-esque shape lately.
     
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  8. reverseapachemaster

    reverseapachemaster Zealot (722) Sep 21, 2012 Texas

    As much as I like BA beers I'm only interested in drinking so much barrel flavor in beer.
     
  9. LambicPentameter

    LambicPentameter Initiate (0) Aug 29, 2012 Nebraska

    While I agree with the sentiment of this thread--that bourbon barrel aging can be a detraction--I cannot in good conscience agree with the example provided: BBQ.

    The thing I love about BBQ is that while you definitely taste the heat (especially fresh), it didn't taste like straight-up bourbon to me, which is how I tend to perceive BBA beers that aren't very good. I thought the bourbon and oak combined with the cherry to create a wonderfully brandy-like beer with notes of vanilla, cherry and spice.

    It's probably one of my *favorite* BA beers. Well, as long as we're excluding sour beers.
     
  10. YamBag

    YamBag Initiate (0) Feb 2, 2007 Pennsylvania

    I don't believe beer should be barrel aged. Not a fan of wine or whiskey, so I don't want my beer tasting like either.
     
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  11. jbertsch

    jbertsch Pooh-Bah (2,710) Dec 14, 2008 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Parabola - I've had this twice, and the first time I thought the barrel ruined what seemed to be a fantastic base beer. (The 2nd time I had it, I didn't feel that way...so maybe batch variation is at play).

    And I think regular Arrogant Bastard is far better than the oaked version.
     
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  12. Rekrule

    Rekrule Initiate (0) Nov 11, 2011 Massachusetts

    I don't like tuna fish, therefore their existence should cease.
     
  13. Rekrule

    Rekrule Initiate (0) Nov 11, 2011 Massachusetts

    I agree with the answer above of Port's SLH. I also don't care for most of the FW barrel offerings. I don't see them as being in the forefront of BA beers as other other do.
     
  14. offthelevel_bytheplumb

    offthelevel_bytheplumb Initiate (0) Aug 19, 2013 Illinois

    Double Trouble is the base beer. I agree, it's much better fresh than from a bourbon barrel.
    http://foundersbrewing.com/latest-news/2013/doom-is-our-next-backstage-series-release/
    I haven't had it before, but I'll look out for it.
     
  15. gueuzedreg

    gueuzedreg Initiate (0) Jan 18, 2013 Colorado
    In Memoriam

    I have had Bomb! and Pirate Bomb! I always have them side-by-side. Every bottle is different to me, but sometimes I enjoy the vanilla characteristics of Bomb! over the rum barrel aged (that takes the vanilla out) version.
     
  16. MenardMa

    MenardMa Initiate (0) Feb 6, 2011 Connecticut

    Yeah, actually I was the one who declined technically :slight_frown:

    I was near the front of the line with my wife's uncle and we decided that he would just get one and we'd share it on xmas. Stupid move, I didn't realize it'd be so damn good!
     
  17. surfcaster

    surfcaster Initiate (0) Apr 20, 2013 North Carolina
    Trader

    That has a lot to do with the base beer and if you like the whiskey flavor.

    I do find this true for stouts.

    There have been some great BA DIPAs--Olde Hickory BA Redeemer (keg only) was just outstanding at local NC beer festival last year and was regarded as one of the best things there. I cannot say the same for BBA DIPA like Doom where the bourbon and barrel just overwhelmed the IPA.
     
  18. lewisti

    lewisti Crusader (499) Nov 7, 2001 Connecticut

    Me too can't believe I paid $23 a bomber for that stuff
     
  19. shnsajax

    shnsajax Initiate (0) Jul 2, 2013 Idaho

    I really really wish I had this problem to even be able to choose between the two.
     
  20. DrumKid003

    DrumKid003 Initiate (0) Aug 10, 2013 Oklahoma

    While COOP's Territorial Reserve Barrel Aged Imp. Stout is delicious, the first couple of vintages tasted like I had drank straight from the bourbon barrel. They've toned it down the last couple of years, but I would like to see what kind of Imperial Stout they could create by not aging this in bourbon barrels.
     
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