We just popped a bottle of Bramble and both found it way too fruity and not a lick of alcohol hotness like we would have hoped from a BCBS variant. I had heard that bramble was not so hot right away but it was coming into it's prime right about now. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad beer but was just a little too fruity for a BCBS and I love fruit beers. My understanding is that Backyard is much like Bramble but a little older. For those of you that like Bramble lately, do you see Backyard developing like Bramble? I haven't broke open a Backyard but was wondering if it would be best to trade the Backyards away if I didn't think Bramble was that good? This is assuming I could hang onto the Backyard for a couple years before popping it. Is it going to taste like Bramble in a couple years? Also, I have a cherry and really want to drink that but is that just another fruit bomb that doesn't really taste like BCBS with a hint of goodness? Is the cherry overpowering like the fruits in bramble?
I think the cherry is a different animal than Bramble. I know that others will differ from my opinion but if you didn't like Bramble I don't think you'll love Backyard. It may become less fruity over time though.
When I first had Bramble, I did not care for it. I also had it side by side with Rare/Vanilla and etc. at the GI Black Friday event. I then had Backyard and thought it was way better than Bramble until I had them side by side and thought Bramble was better. I agree about Cherry Rye, there was more cinnamon/spice and cherry pie like flavors. I never had fresh Bramble, but I assume the fruit comes out more with age when comparing to Backyard as the flavors meld together and the heat starts to fade.
So you think Backyard would drink better now than later? I just want to confirm what you are saying and your opinion. Bramble was just a huge let down tonight for my guest and I. Are you saying the fruit is less prominent than the bourbon at this time. I have a couple bottles but if they taste anything like Bramble I would rather trade them. Thanks for your input.
I'm thinking you might not care for Backyard if you dont like Bramble, for sure drink the Cherry Rye lol Maybe try to find someone that will bring it to a tasting to try it before getting rid of your bottles?
None of the BCBS fruit variants are heavy BCBS flavor with a little added fruit. They are a solid stout with LOTS of fruit flavor. If you didn't care for bramble, I doubt you will love Cherry or Backyard. I don't understand the distinction others have made between Bramble/Backyard vs Cherry. To me the stout flavor level is similar, but instead of the berry flavor it is a very high quality cherry pie filling flavor. If I were you I'd trade them toward something you are more confident you will like.
You mention Bramble was too fruity and didn't have the alcohol heat you expected. I understand the too fruity for your tastes, but do you enjoy alcohol heat/burn? I guess for my tastes I've always appreciated the brewers that mask the alcohol with great flavors. To each their own, right?
I just had Bramble today. I was surprised by the fruit taste that was still there in comparison to cherry rye. The cherry in the cherry rye was much more mute and came out more as it warmed up. When I had backyard at the recent GI Sunday Funday event (on tap), it smacked me in the face with fruit flavor, so if you didn't like the bramble, you will not like the backyard. I would say that backyard had more fruit flavor actually, but I didn't have them side by side. I recommend drinking the cherry though. I agree with SipIt, I don't like the heat/burn on my beer. I haven't had a hot bourbon county beer. The 13 smells hot, but still finishes nice IMO, but everyone is different.
