Pilgrim's Dole has been a favorite winter staple for me these past few years, so after spending over a month hunting it down, I was excited to finally pick up this year's release. Upon cracking my first bottle last week, I noticed this year's version tasted even sweeter than I remember, and with noticeably little-to-no barrel character. Coincidentally, I now see that New Holland has updated its packaging and removed the "Bourbon Barrel Aged" description from its label and carrier. But if you're to look on their website (http://newhollandbrew.com/our-beer/pilgrims-dole/), its product description does not mention that it's barrel-aged, yet it's categorized under the "Barrel Aged" umbrella. Does anyone know the story behind this? Either way, it's still mighty rich and boozy at 12%, and was just wondering if anyone knows whether or not this is just my taste-buds failing me, or if New Holland has decided it was no longer necessary to barrel-age this beer, despite what the website says?
IMO, this beer is quite underrated. I hope it is still barrel aged, because my favorite thing about this beer is that it tastes more like bourbon in beer form than just another BBA ale, if that makes sense.
I stand corrected @Jonl0424, that is some tiny type - but you're correct it's indeed there. With the BBA trend going so strong, I've got to wonder why they've decided to downplay that aspect of the beer to such a degree. You'd think these days they would be doing the exact opposite. Certainly an underrated beer, and probably my favorite New Holland beer (Triple Mash not included).
One of my favorites every year. Barrel presence is a little light this year, but overall I am really enjoying this year's run. I'll let others run around town chasing single bottles of whales, as I casually make my over to my bottle shop and pick up as much BA Dole as I need.
