AleSmith Barrel Aged Wee Heavy 2012
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From AleSmith – This Barrel-Aged version of our Scotch-Style Ale is matured in premium bourbon barrels for at least one year to add layers of complexity to its rich, malty flavor profile. Notes of Vanilla, Oak and Bourbon from the Barrels combine with the beer’s profile of caramel and toffee to make an utterly unique beer we think you’ll love. Enjoy it now or let it mature in the bottle for years to come. Serve in a goblet at 50-55 degrees.
AleSmith Brewing Company – Barrel Aged Wee Heavy (2012 Release) – 1 PT. 9.4 FL. OZ. (750 ML.) bottle served in a teku glass. 9.5% abv. Consumed in San Francisco on a nice, sunny 50 degree afternoon in January.
Appearance: Coffee like with a few tiny bubbles floating around the center and lacing the meniscus (edge of the glass).
Aroma: Bourbon. Once you make it past the Bourbon (keep sniffing…), an intricacy of vanilla and oak follow creating a sensory delight.
Taste: Rich and full bodied, yet smooth and balanced. Complex and intense – key notes include Bourbon, malt, caramel and toffee.
Mouthfeel: Warming, but not overwhelming. Mouth-coating lingers for a few moments and fades into the abyss.
Overall: A truly exceptional beer. Interesting, complex and balanced. Consider aging – the Bourbon is likely to fade with age, unleashing new flavor profiles over time – sophistication which can only be achieved through the passing of time.
Background: The 2012 Barrel Aged Wee Heavy was released through Brown Paper Tickets on December 10th for pickup at the Alesmith Tasting Room by February 3rd. Potential buyers had the option of purchasing up to 4 bottles at $27.00 per bottle (plus a Brown Paper Tickets service fee of $1.97 per bottle). Previous vintages include the following years – 2004 (234 bottles), 2005 (222 bottles), 2006 (254 bottles) and 2009 (972 bottles).
