Day 387: Alchemy Projects, Mine and Widmer's

I feel the need to check back in exactly one year after writing my closing thoughts on 2011. If you need a refresher, you can find it here.  It's salty and sad with just a bit of hopefulness. It is amazing what 365 days can do for the soul. Putting another year behind me doesn't make me feel older--it makes me feel free and happy and powerful. There's a sense of being able to do anything in my soul and it is a good feeling. And that's what I wish for you all. Take the crap, the stress, the whatever and turn it into hope and happiness. It takes a lot of faith and belief in yourself. But I promise you, that little alchemy project is possible.

Widmer Brothers Brewing has their own alchemy project. It started back in 2010 and is a series of vintage dated beers that can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for years.  I got my hands on the Barrel Aged Brrrbon '11, which means it was cellaring somewhere for the past year. Yay for me!

It poured a rich oak color (opaque) with a thin tan head. The smell is woody, roasted and full of butterscotch. The flavor is caramel, vanilla, pepper and is also very rich. It finishes with an almost rauchbier-like smoked character. It definitely has that warming alcohol burn. 

The Barrel Aged Brrrbon is aged in bourbon barrels. It doesn't have that "wow this tastes like bourbon" thing going on like other barrel aged beers. Instead it reminds me of the characteristics of bourbon. Does that make sense? 

Beer stats 
Style:  Winter warmer
ABV:  9.4%
IBUs:  40
Rating:  Great

Previously reviewed from Widmer Brothers

A review of Brrr after making the leap from Kim Jong-il to persimmon trees and the David Wax Museum

Gary's take on today's beer

Gary's review of Citra Blonde Summer Brew from Year 1