Avery Oak Barrel Hog Heaven

Formerly brewed at Avery Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
Boulder, Colorado USA

At brewery (young) and Strong Ale Fest (older): Early on, this one was like the regular Hog but with pinches of wood and aged red wine. Over time, the bold Hog hops have tamed down and the wood and vinous characteristics have revealed themselves more. I also found some interesting aromas of fruit, such as passion. The wood seemed to be drying in a way; reminded me of the woody smell in a wood-fired steam room. Texture was still a little spritzy.

On tap @ Boulder Strong Ale Fest poured a cloudy copper with a small amber head. Aromas of oak, vanilla, spices, toffee and some fruitiness. Palate was light bodied and dry. Flavors of vanilla, oak, light fruit and spices with a dry finish. Nothing at all like regular Hog Heaven.

2005 Boulder Strong Ale Fest. Body is dark amber. Aroma is lightly malty (toasted bread), moderately hoppy (grapefruit, resin), lightly yeasty (dough), with a light note of wood. Flavor is moderately sweet, lightly acidic, lightly bitter. Finish is lightly sweet, moderately acidic, moderately bitter. Medium body, watery texture, lively carbonation. Still needs more aging time, clearly. Some woody aroma, but I blindly rated this almost identical to regular Hog (as I did with the other two oaked beers). I hope Adam is patient with these oaked versions, especially the Salvation and Reverend, which stand to gain the most from this process IMHO.

aroma is sweet with a minimal hop. no carbonation to this. pours a murky orange tan. taste is bitter with a fruit level. earthy finish that is biscuity.

Boulder Strong Ale Fest. Huge head, golden body. All hop aroma. Very sweet and floral taste. Only hints of the port come through, a little woody also. Round, woody finish.