Alesmith Barrel Aged Wee Heavy

From Dan – The forces have always been against me to drive down to San Diego on a Tuesday afternoon for a random Alesmith Barrel Aged release.  I kick myself each and every time, when the realization sets in that I missed out on buying not only the most valuable rare beer in the country, but also the tastiest.  I was able to get a bottle of Barrel Aged Wee Heavy on trade via ratebeer.com, and saved it for Christmas ’09 to crack open.

Alesmith Brewing Co. – Barrel Aged Wee Heavy – 2nd Release: 2005 Wee Heavy released in 2007; 223 bottles. 750 ml bottle poured into a goblet. 9.5% abv.

Appearance: Pours a rootbeer brown with a 1/8 inch frothy tan head.

Aroma: Smokey malt, wood, vanilla bourbon notes and port wine.

Taste: Sweet bourbon notes, peaty malt, vanilla, dark fruit, spicy hops and wood.

Mouthfeel: Thick with low carbonation.

Overall: I am a huge fan of regular Wee Heavy. Possibly one of my favorites as a matter of fact. I liked the barrel aged element, but would like the Wee Heavy to be as lively as it is fresh. I guess you can have it both ways. Anyway, it was a real treat and a privilege to try this.