New Beer Weekend #288

Enough time for one more New Beer to get us to 8 pages? Let's find out...!



Revolution Straight Jacket

Look:
The body is deep carnelian with vivid orange highlights. A lively pour raises a head of rich tan foam that quickly withdraws to a wispy skin and collar. Both vanish completely by the time I'm halfway through this small glass.

Smell:
Toffee and bourbon lead the way, ably supported by vanilla, oak, brown sugar, plums, and golden raisins. Spicy notes of anise and alcohol waft in around the edges.

Taste:
As in the nose, Toffee is first out of the gate, along with a low wave of stewed plums, rich and sweet and subtly spicy. Vanilla follows, then caramel, which leads to notes of brown sugar, butterscotch, almond cookies, pound cake, and five spice powder. Bourbon rises in the middle and remains strong to the end. It creates a series of harmonies with the other flavor elements as they appear. Dates and raisins join the dance at the end. There's even a bit of bitterness in the finish. It's not nearly enough to balance the luxurious sweetness, but it does provide a gentle and welcome contrast which enhances the richness.

Feel:
Heavy body, with a silky texture and noteworthy viscosity. Carbonation is soft but articulate. Finishes with significant alcohol warmth that manages to end up more cozy than feverish.

Overall:
It's been a long time since I've had a bourbon barrel-aged barleywine that left me this happy. It has all the aspects I want from an English barleywine, in abundance. Even the huge sweetness works for me because it isn't just sugary. It's rich, and full of nuances. Delightful. This is a Straight Jacket I don't mind getting wrapped up in. I will make it a priority to nab another few cans soon.