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The beer is supposed to be golden, and it is golden. Now, I am taking the liberty of saying that this is going to be a golden ale, but there's no actual indication as to whether this is an ale or a lager. Ales typically do better inside of casks, anyway. The head doesn't stick around too long, and that is completely normal for a barrel aged beer. I won't be getting any lacing, but a few bubbles are going to stick around. The aroma is thick with alcohol, and it almost leans into a more wine or possibly a barley wine aroma. It smells pretty good.
First sip is surprisingly good. The brown liquor added to the golden beer seems to be doing the work that spices do in a winter warmer. As I write this, I am sitting outside on a cool 40 something degree night, and the first sip has hit me with that Kentucky hug that heavier alcohols tend to do. The fact that this is only 6.6% ABV means that it's filling flavor above its weight class. I can admire and appreciate that.
Tip-in is heavy alcohol and wood with what seems to almost be plums and dates and other dark fruit. This is unusual for this kind of beer, but it's not unwelcome. The middle becomes smooth with the alcohol dropping back to a simmering warmth while the beer finally asserts a sweet malt and the wood intertwines to prevent it from getting watery, and it actually seems a bit dry. The finish turns notably dry as the alcohol and wood merge into the bread malt to send a boozy loaf into the drill off.
Bottom Line: She's pretty good. And she will do.
3.25/5
