Lost Abbey The Angels Share (Bourbon Barrel)

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

First time from a bottle. Pour is awesome; very deep ruby cloudy red with a huge light brown head. Aroma is banannas up front, then vanilla, wood, cinnamon, and a faint hint of alcohol. As it warms, sweet malt aroma comes through. Flavor is huge and very true to the nose except with a bit more alcohol. Finish is a lot of wood. Bourbon is not overt at all, very subtle and well-integrated. Mouthfell is a bit bubbly, but still nice. I really like it.

I happened to be in San Diego for the first time the weekend of the release, so I stood my happy ass in line and got some of this great beer. Finally opened a bottle up tonight, and it was a gusher. Take a long time to pour without an overwhelming amount of head. Pours dark brown/black with a thick tan head. Fantastic aroma of bourbon and vanilla. Nice mouthfeel, it doesn’t even seem like a barley wine. Nice caramel flavor, oak, vanilla, bourbon. Amazing beer.

Two versions on tap at the Bistro festival. Confusion reiagned surpreme all day: which one was the 2006 and whihc one was the 2007? The "2006" was rather rough around the edges, strong flavors of bourbon and alcohol heat, some wood and some molasses, needs to mautre, so I guess this was in reality the 2007. The 2006 was smooth, more subtle bourbon notes, I get some caramel, oak and some darek fruit. Ratings apply to this one.

On cask at the brewery. Tried several samples at the first anniversary party. I’m so glad I thought to bring a real tasting glass in order to gain a full appreciation of this one; it was certainly worth the extra attention. Pours a dark, semi-opaque red cedar bark brown color with a frothy layer of creamy tan head. Aroma is dripping with dark fruits - prunes, raisins, and figs, and is softened and sweetened by a silky wave of sweet caramels and lots of vanilla bean. The bourbon character is really the perfect compliment for the beer, as the slightly drier oak character of the bourbon barrel seems to work perfectly with the beer. While there is an increased oak presence compared to the brandy barrel version, the barrel character still holds itself very much in check with the overall balance of the nose, allowing the terrific, sweet malt complexities shine through on the center stage. A little bit of caramelly bourbon reveals itself to the nose, but is sufficiently subdued to leave but a gentle warming glow in the nostrils. Medium bodied, creamy mouthfeel - this beer lends itself to the cask amazingly well. Loads of freshly picked, black cherries instantly flood the tongue, backed by an aggressively flavorful blend of raisins and lightly spiced fig. Tons of heavenly malt sweetness that’s complex and far from cloying; the light creaminess of the body simply makes this one dance across the tongue. Some fresh, woody maple syrup, clover honey, and lots and lots of vanilla bean enhance the dark fruity base. A little bit of dry oakiness lingers in the finish along with some warming bourbon, although while not hot, is pretty much the only less-than-perfect trait this brew has. Honestly, was it possible for this one to be a disappointment? No. Is it possible that this one even surpasses the brandy barrel’s greatness? Hopefully someday there will be bottles to do a just side-by-side comparison. Fantastic.

btl opened by JohnC.Light brown pour with a tan head and lace. Pepper, bourbon, hard raisin. Excellent finishing bitter. Carbonation and mouthfeel excellent. All round rocker. Though the bourbon comes through the abv is carried very well.

My 1909th rating. The number & name of my all time favorite soccer club/team. 12,7 ounce bottle. Thanks Chris! Opened with a loud pop. Pours dark brown with a small creamy brown head & lacings. Nose is amazing. So much complexity its nearly overwhelming. Dark fruits, coffee, bourbon, vanilla, chocolate, wood and so on. Warm, sweet, vinous, smooth,sticky, velvetly soft. Every drop is priceless! This is why I spend so much time on beer.

On tap at Bistro’s 2nd BA Festival. Even though this was listed as 2007, it was clearly the 2006 version. I had about 4 samples that were 3-4 ounces a piece. Somewhat fruity, light bourbon aromas are present to start. Unfortunately, there is a definite ethanol presence in the nose. A bit of vinousness is present, too. Moderately hazy ruddy amber body with an oily, light tan/orange head. Fair lacing. Attractive stuff. Starts a bit sweet before some bourbon flavors make a presence. Becomes vinous, roasty, malty, caramelly in the middle. Finishes with a lightly bitter hoppiness. Smooth, velvety, warming, extremely drinkable. Great stuff.

Cask, at GBBF 08. Jet black, thin beige shortlived head and minimal condition. Mouthfillingly oily in the mouth with hints of sweet liquorice, coffee, and vanilla backed with oak and a strong spirity air, full and alcoholic in the mouth with more liquorice and vanilla, a slight phenolic roasted note and a delicate sweetness, spirity alcohol in the finish with yet more liquorice and a developing apple note more suggestive of calvados than bourbon.