Recommendations for low-ABV barrel-aged beers

Discussion in 'New England' started by Ranbot, Feb 17, 2015.

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  1. Ranbot

    Ranbot Pooh-Bah (2,463) Nov 27, 2006 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I considered posting this in the general Beer Talk forum, but I don't trade and I live near Philadelphia, so the Mid-Atlantic forum seemed more appropriate to ask this question. Anyway...

    I like barrel-aged beers - Oak, Bourbon, Rum, whiskey, port, etc. it's all good. However, the vast majority of barrel aged beers are high ABV, which I am sensitive to and dislike those hot, fusel alcohol flavors. So, are there low-ABV barrel aged beers out there that I should look for? Something in the 4% to 6% range would be preferred. The only beers like this I remember having are a Bourbon BA milk stout by Duck Rabbit, which was a one-time draft only beer; and Iron Hill Bourbon BA Porter, which is a draft-only rotating seasonal. If you guys know of more options similar to those beers, preferably bottled/canned, then I'd love to hear them!

    If you're thinking of suggesting a higher ABV beer that hides its ABV, don't bother because taste preferences aside, in general, I prefer to avoid drinking 8+% beers regularly.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Ranbot, Feb 17, 2015
  2. CraftFan5

    CraftFan5 Pooh-Bah (2,264) May 14, 2013 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Velvet Merkin from Firestone Walker is a very nice BA Oatmeal Stout at 8.5% ABV. You definitely get plenty of barrel character. Should be plentiful in Philly when it's released.

    Weyerbacher Heresy is a BA Imperial Stout at 8%. Certainly a fine brew with a wide availability.
     
    #2 CraftFan5, Feb 17, 2015
  3. ShanePB

    ShanePB Initiate (0) Sep 6, 2010 Pennsylvania

    Ones that you can find in our area:

    Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout - 6.90% ABV
    Dominion Oak Barrel Stout - 5.50% ABV
    Cricket Hill Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter - 6.70% ABV

    You could also try some of the Innis & Gunn beers, too. I like some of them certainly not all they make.
     
    #3 ShanePB, Feb 17, 2015
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  4. beernuts

    beernuts Initiate (0) Jan 23, 2014 Virginia

    #4 beernuts, Feb 17, 2015
  5. ShanePB

    ShanePB Initiate (0) Sep 6, 2010 Pennsylvania

    #5 ShanePB, Feb 17, 2015
  6. Ranbot

    Ranbot Pooh-Bah (2,463) Nov 27, 2006 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I had Dominion's a long time ago and it didn't do it for me, but it's been long enough that maybe I should give it another try.

    I'll keep an eye open for Anderson Valley and Cricket Hill, a little higher ABV but still closer to what I'm looking for.

    Any bad experiences with Innis and Gunn's clear bottles skunking? Every time I see Innis & Gunn I can't justify the clear bottles to myself.
     
    #6 Ranbot, Feb 17, 2015
  7. ShanePB

    ShanePB Initiate (0) Sep 6, 2010 Pennsylvania

    Understood; it's decent, nothing amazing but is in line with the ABV you're looking for.

    I think the Innis & Gunn beers have a distinct "taste" but I do not necessarily attribute it to skunking as I have had some of their beers on-tap and get the same notes. I personally enjoy the Rum Cask the best of what I've tried.
     
    #7 ShanePB, Feb 17, 2015
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