New Belgium 'Oakspire' Bourbon Barrel Ale. 9% abv. 20 IBU. Honey-orange color with a thick, white, foamy head. Excellent retention and lacing. Nose of mild bourbon, vanilla, brown sugar. Herbal notes and dank fruit emerge as the temp rises.

Front taste is bourbon, maple, charred oak, bitter walnut. Aftertaste is roasted nuts, herbal hops, leather, strong bourbon on the back end, particularly when the temp reaches room. Dry finish. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, boozy, tangy, carby, round.

This is an outstanding beer, one with a lot of flavor and character for such a simple ale. It is marked as a "bourbon barrel ale," but take note that this is not actually aged in former bourbon barrels. It's aged with oak spirals and charred wood that once lived within such a coveted barrel. The difference is cost - and complexity - but the lovely taste is still something to savor. The profile of bourbon and wood are clear and present, with the mild boozy tones balanced well. For a budget version BBA, this is a winner. Well recommended.


From the brewery:

"A limited-edition collaboration between New Belgium and Knob Creek, Oakspire is a unique bourbon barrel ale aged with bourbon-steeped oak spirals and char from inside the barrel. Smooth notes of toffee, vanilla and caramel wrap up with a pleasantly warm finish. Oakspire: Where innovation meets tradition."

[source: newbelgium.com]

Central Coast Brewing 'Stenner Creek' Oatmeal Stout. 6% abv. 31 IBU. Black in color. Finger of mocha head. Excellent retention and outstanding lace. Nose of roasted malt, coffee beans. Front taste of roasted malt, dark chocolate, black coffee on the back. Aftertaste is bitter earthy grain, sweet malty sustain. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is silky, warm, smooth.

This is an excellent oatmeal stout, true to its category, with a freshness that rises it above many of its peers. The aroma is roasty malt with coffee notes, while the taste is that same coffee sense misled with chocolate and an earthy sweet finish. The body is rich and smooth, perfect for this beer style. Definitely worth seeking out. Highly recommended.

Oatmeal stouts and coffee stouts are often called "breakfast beers" and I enjoyed this one indeed at breakfast, on a cool morning in San Luis Obispo, home to Central Coast Brewing. We wandered in the small brewery after a night of Downtown SLO's many other breweries and pubs. If you ever find your way there, I encourage this new morning ritual, one that my friends and I intend to experience again.

From the brewery:

"An English seasonal variant of sweet stout, the liberal use of flaked oats adds a silky creaminess to the mouth feel. Packed with notes of caramel, chocolate, and coffee this full-bodied beer is luscious, balanced, and extremely drinkable."

[source: centralcoastbrewing.com]