Lost Abbey The Angels Share (Bourbon Barrel)

Brewed by Port Brewing/Lost Abbey
Style: Barley Wine
San Marcos, California USA

375ml bottle, 2008 vintage, first bottling. a big pop implies lots of carbonation in this. pours dark brown with tan head. a soft buttery bourbon, and woody vinous cherry notes. wonderful aroma. flavors are oaky, charred toffee malt notes, vanilla and buttery bourbon notes. finishes with a toasted and smoked nuttyness. everything in seemless balance and alcohol is contained. the bourbon fits AS about as well as the brandy. although, not quite as smooth around the edges as 06 brandy. this is similar to 07 brandy but the bourbon barrel makes this quite different than the brandy. a great barrel aged barleywine, was there any doubt? no, of course not, but i prefer brandy version. 3.8. 2006 vintage draft at Fobab 08 and 2009 vintage from 375ml were fantastic. 4.2.

Cask at the GBBF 2008, gravity dispense. Nearly black colour (very dark reddish brown). Intense and lovely aroma of various subtropical woods, winey notes. The mouthfeel has lots of alcoholic warmth as expected. The flavour has notes of oak and fortified wine. Very good.

Pour is deep brown with a thin tan head...aroma is not as strong as I would have thought...some bourbon and toasty notes...taste is sweet and seems super carbonated...some vanilla and caramel, but not much...hmmmmm.....

I had this on draft at Lost Abbey’s first Anniversary party. The first thing that hits you with this beer is the fantastic aroma: vanilla, oak, bourbon and I don’t even have a good sense of smell. The flavor is lush, complex & tasty

Bottle. 2008 edition. Thought I had rated this, but I guess I haven’t. Aroma of bourbon, caramel, vanilla, cocoa, oak. Flavor was really smooth, but did not measure up to some of my favorite barrel aged BW’s; like Old Salty. Still it was good. Roasted malt, molasses, caramel, vanilla and cocoa predominate; not much fruitiness, which could have helped for my tastebuds. Good, but due to price probably the last time I’ll have this.

Spcially good, a nice smoked alike taste and awesome head. Had it on tap. Had it at GBBF 2008.

2008 Vintage

10/29/2009: Lost Abbey Angel’s Share (Bourbon)... Aroma: Wet wood; cherry and nuts (roasted almond?); caramel/toffee malts; slight green apple (but not enough to be distracting). Appearance: Very, very dark brown; opaque; foamy brown head. Flavor: Very nice... Great blend of rich, chewy, sticky caramel; dark fruits; dates; bourbon char; woody; toasted walnuts and black walnuts, complex layer of malts, and a pleasing sweet, alcohol burn through the nose... Palate: Medium to medium-full; plenty (almost a bit too much carbonation). Overall: Very nice, but not nearly as good as the regular Angel’s Share that I had (shared by Springslicker); this is WONDERFUL beer; synery of flavors; but not worth the price!

12.7 fl. oz. corked and caged bottle (Alc. 12.5% by Vol.) from illinismitty. Thanks a lot, Sean. I appreciate it! Rating #399 for this beer.

Darkest brown, with ruby edges, under a fuzzy, toasted tan head. Sweet, smokey bourbon hits the nose first, with alcohol tagging along, ...oak, vanilla, and a hint of cherry comes behind....matched by caramel and cocoa...deep and mighty. big buzz on the tongue, thick, slick, and whiskey-ish galore....chocolate meets rich brandy-ish favors, right up next to the bourbon feel. Long, finish, lushly textured, utterly luxuruious. Hoppy bitter smack on the tongue. lovely stuff, satisfies my bourbon-loving sweet tooth (tongue?), though it feels like an imperial stout.