Live Oak Barrel Aged Old Tree Hugger

I dunno about all the separations for brews and their barrel aged counter patrs .. quite willing to have this combined with my rating ofthe non-barrel aged version. At least I’ve found a beer that hasn’t been overpowered by the process and has actually gained some pleasant qulaities from it. I usually get bowled over by an intense vanilla flavor, but this is so thick/heavy/strong that it just pushes the little guy down and laughs, then lends a hand, picks him up, dusts him off and happily joins in the game. If I could get a growler of this then I might be VERY dangerous to myself and others.

I had this version of the Tree Hugger at the Draught House. The appearance was the same as the regular version, but that is were the similarity ends. This beer has huge bourbon nose with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The flavor delivers the same but with delicate cherry notes and a spicy finish. Once again this is way to smooth to be almost 14% abv! Do I like it more than the non-barrel aged version? Hard calls both are great. I like this one a little more though.

Clear red with a creamy tan head. Big vanilla aroma with bourbon, multi-vitamin, brown sugar, alcohol and a little cherry. Sweet caramel, bourbon and oak flavor with some spicy hops. Has some vegetable notes. Long, smooth, sweet finish. Very nice beer that comes together better than the non barrel aged version.