Great Divide Barrel Aged Old Ruffian

From Great Divide – This special release of our acclaimed, hefty barley wine has been aged for over 9 months in Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey barrels.  The process tempers Old Ruffian’s edges for a mellowed version with heady whiskey flavors and subtle oak notes.  Each limited edition, individually-numbered bottle is special in its own right.  This rounded wonder clocks in at 85-90 ISUs.

Great Divide Brewing – Great Divide Barrel Aged Old Ruffian  Vintage 2012 – On tap at Stone 16th Anniversary – 11.8% abv.

Appearance: Pours a dark hazy copper with a lasting cap of tan froth.

Aroma: Burnt toffee/caramel, booze soaked oak. Dried apricot.

Taste: Burnt caramel, bitter hops, bourbon. Light tart apple/pear fruitiness. Very oaky.

Mouthfeel: Warm, astringent  with modest carbonation.

Overall: This was a bit too aggressive for my barrel aged barley wine tastes. I’d like to revisit this after 2 years of cellaring.