Peril Aged

This beer is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood Aged Beer (BJCP category 33B) as a bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Porter. Rich American oak laced with bourbon is intense within the aroma – almost as if you stuck your nose inside a freshly dumped bourbon barrel. The barrel character is so intense that it is difficult to find any beer qualities present. The beer pours opaque with a small dark khaki head indicative of light carbonation. The flavor is bourbon forward as well but the hops finally make themselves known with a medium-high level of bitterness. Malt flavors of chocolate, charcoal, and burnt toast emerge as the beer warms. There is a medium-full body and a tannin presence from the oak that is considerable but not off-putting. The overall barrel character is overwhelming in the balance making it a craft beer for the discerning bourbon aficionado. This beer would be an excellent candidate for aging a few years – the alcohol is a bit hot and with time, the oak and bourbon presence will meld with the beer creating a better harmony of flavor.