Schubros Brewery 'Inverness' Bourbon Barrel Wee Heavy

Schubros Brewery 'Inverness' Bourbon Barrel Wee Heavy. Passport Series 2015. 11.7% abv. Black in color. Thin tan head. Moderate retention and low lacing. Nose of oak, sweet malt, dark fruit, earth. Front taste of bittersweet fruit, dark malt, plums. Aftertaste of bourbon, pungent dark fruit, currants, fruity hops. Full body. Mouthfeel is warm-hot, thick, grainy.

This is an extraordinary beer. The barrel aging is present starting in the aroma on through to the aftertaste. The flavors of rich malt, dark fruit, and fruity bitter hops blend together with that woodsy bourbon backbone. Outstanding. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Right on the heels of the overwhelmingly successful Kirov Russian Imperial Stout, Schubros has released Inverness—a Scottish-style Wee Heavy and the latest addition to our Passport Series. Aged in bourbon barrels, this beer is surprisingly smooth with just the right amount of sweetness. Though at a whopping 11.7% ABV, you may have to remind yourself not to go a wee overboard. The Schubros Passport series has been a tradition since 2013 with the release of Saméon, a French-style Saison. Traditionally packaged in 750mL champagne bottles, sealed with wax, and topped off with a hand-tied tag, these limited brews are as elegant in style as they are in taste. Already boasting over four stars on Untappd, Inverness has proven itself as a craft-crowd favorite. In fact, the response from the release party on April 25th was irrefutably positive. Inverness is available for purchase in both bottles and growlers at the Schubros taproom as well as local businesses throughout the Bay Area. Not convinced? Stop by the brewery and order yourself a glass. You won't be disappointed."

[source: schubrosbrewery.com]

"Deep brown with ruby highlights, Inverness is a bourbon barrel aged Scottish-style ale that boasts rich malty flavors of dried fruit and honey."
[source: bottle]