The first time I tried this Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale was when my sister, who lives in Kentucky, brought some to us on a visit. Let's say I found it "interesting".
The second time was last year when we went to Boston with some friends of ours. We met our elder son at a BBQ place near Fenway called Sweet Cheeks Q. Very fine establishment. In fact our younger son and I went to a ballgame yesterday and met our elder son there again for a bite before the game. I've enjoyed the brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. The biscuits are superb. My elder son swears by the collard greens. I'll take his word for it. And the mac 'n cheese is legendary.
But I digress. While there last year with our friends it was recommended we try this Southern beer to accompany the Southern style BBQ. It was as a result of that trial that the bottle pictured above came into my possession. It was a gag birthday gift to me from our friends. Which tells you what they thought of the beer.
This ale is produced by Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling. As their website says they are in a part of Kentucky where there are more bourbon barrels than people. It was just a matter of time before someone would find a way to use them besides making whisky. And they do advertise themselves as the foremost brewers of barrel aged beers.
The first thing you notice when you bring the brew close is the aroma. It definitely smells like whisky, not beer. Likewise the first taste sensation is that of a hot toddy, only I suppose in this case it would be a cold toddy. There are the hints of whisky flavor as well as lemon. And the last taste sensation you get is also very much whisky-like.
There is some maltiness to the flavors, as well as prickly sensation on the tip of your tongue often found with some ales. You know, in case you forget you are drinking a beer.
But this is definitely a unique brew. There is a roughness and bitterness to the beer, akin to whisky. And it is strong. I was not surprised to learn that its alcohol content was 8.2%.
This is definitely a beer you would sip slowly, not unlike how you might drink whisky. Or perhaps you can think of it as a shot and a beer all in one bottle.
All I know is that the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is not for everyone. If you don't like whisky, don't even bother. But if you like whisky and are willing to try something unique, then definitely give this a try.
I will tell you that I have come across other barrel aged brews since then. Can't recall the name as we were out at a company function, but there was a bourbon barrel aged ale that came from Oregon. It did not seem as strong and was a bit smoother than the Kentucky variety. But then again who talks about Oregon bourbon?
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is not for the faint of heart. It is not for anyone who doesn't like whisky. And you can't drink it quickly either.
I believe it is an acquired taste and one of those brews you love or you hate. I am giving Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale 5 mugs out of 10. I can sense the quality involved in brewing it. It's just that if I wanted this experience, I'd drink an actual bourbon.