Lengthwise Brewing 'Zeus' Barrel Aged Imperial Ale. 9.7% abv. Hazy honey color. Thin beige head. Excellent retention and superb sweet lacing. Nose of rich caramel, toasted malt, light bourbon. Front taste of toffee, brown sugar, roasted grain. Aftertaste is where the bourbon is best tasted, along with warm brown sugar, background sweet light fruit, and sweet bread. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is warm-hot, thick, sweet finish.
This is the barrel aged version of their excellent Zeus Imperial IPA, which I had the pleasure of tasting a few months ago. This barrel aged version had the potential of rising well above its original, but a slight flaw keeps it from being extraordinary. The sweet malty flavors are dominant over the bourbon notes, which is actually to some beer drinkers' liking, but the wood/barrel expression is simply not there. There are notes of toasty malt which may have been influence by the oak, but these are negligible. Personally, I like a little more 'wood' in my barrel aged beers. Regardless, this is definitely worth your time, particularly if you like bourbon brews. Highly recommended.
From the brewery:
"Also known as Zeus on Oak, this smoky flavored brew is aged several months in recently emptied bourbon whiskey barrels from Heaven Hill Distilleries."
[source: lengthwise.com]
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