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.

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.

Draft @ Falling Rock: My least favorite of the Trinity series. The problem I had with it was the port was too subtle. Hazy red color with a tan head. The sweet and dark fruity malt had a nice mellowness from the aging. The aroma and flavor were the same. Light bitterness on the finish. Tasted fine but other than smoothing it out I don’t get too much from the barrel.

On draft @ Falling Rock during ’06 GABF weekend Aroma is brown sugar, dark caramel, dark fruits, vanilla, & yeast. Taste is brown sugar, caramel, dark fruits to a lesser extent. Nice mouthfeel. Some oaky tannins at the end.

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.

Draft... Mid-GABF ’06 at the Falling Rock Tap House, Denver... Mostly clear amber ale with a small, creamy, off-white head. The complex aroma is woodsy, earthy, hoppy, malty and a bit acetic. The flavor is sweet, then woodsy and medium bitter. Full-bodied with a sticky mouthfeel and mellow carbonation. Lengthy, earthy, grassy finish.

Pour is deep hazey ruddy colored with a thin off white head...smell is piney and smokey...taste is sweet and piney with a lot of the sharpness of regular Hog, subdued...the port imparted some more alcoholic sweetness I think...

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.