Bear Republic Black Rye (Whiskey Barrel Stout)

Barrel-aged version reviewed at the 2007 Strong Ale festival A- Murky brown/orange hue, thin layer of off-white foamy head, wet lacing S- Nose is subtle pine hops, bread and rye malts, vanilla and oak tones, touch of honey and floral essence T- Over-riding woody and alcohol flavors, filled out by subtler vanilla and cherries, overall mild flavors M- Light/medium-bodied, watery texture, light carbonation D- Smooth rye beer with light alcohol presence, but unfortunately all the barrel essences over-ride the malts and fruits and washes out any perceived balance or flavor complexity

sampled on tap at the San Diego Strong Ale Festival Nov 2008, an event share with what seemed liked hundreds of ratebeerians and enjoyed mostly through a straw, since my face was a bloody mess of scabs and stitches. this beer was dark colored with some tan head. there was a lot going on between hops roasty malt, alchol and vanilla rye notes. very interesting and good

Tap @ 2007 Strong Ale Fest. Poured a hazy deep brown color with a large creamy tan head. The aroma had strong citrus and pine with the whiskey not as strong as I would have expected, but that is better. The flavor was the same It seemed to have a fair amount of hops, with a rye spicey finish. Caramel also mixed into the finish. Wasn’t bad but I really didn’t realized it was a stout until now.

Sampled at the second annual Bistro’s West Coast Barrel Aged Beer Fest: Clear copper brown with a thin, spotty-lacing tan head. Aroma of sweet toasty caramel and bourbon oak with a hint of dark chocolate. Body starts with a light caramely sweetness and some earthy roasty bitterness toward a piny hoppy finish. Nicely balanced and quite drinkable.

Date: 11/30/2007
Mode: Draft
Source: Tasting, Strong Ale Fest

muddy dark amber, creamy beige head, drippy lace, rich sweet malt aroma, rich dark caramel malt flavor, touch of bourbon sweetness, balancing dry earthyness, hint of alcohol,

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 12/20
Rating: 3.1/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: *4

2007 PP SAF VIP session: Slight muddy deep brown with lasting creamy head and spotty lace. The aroma has notes of rye, caramel, anise, salty, soapy, and yeasty. The taste has a sharp bitterness and rye twang over sweet malts. Peppery and anise finish, some metallic notes too. The mouth feel is sharp and dry. This was just okay, where is the stout character? Disappointing.

On tap at PP Strong Ale Festival. Tasted with too many ratebeerians to list. Creamy 1 finger head. Interesting combo of roastiness and hops. Great mellow flavor and a little hop bitterness.

PP Strong Ale Fest 07. 10th Rating of this beer. Pours cloudy borwn with a 2 finger than head. Nose is hoppy sweet. Taste is full of rye, smoky, tasty and very nice.