New Glarus Unplugged Bourbon Barrel Bock

Formerly brewed at New Glarus Brewing Company
Style: Doppelbock
New Glarus, Wisconsin USA

12oz Bottle $7.99 4-Pack Village Dell and Wine Shop Bourbon Barrel Bock pours a surprisingly clear copper. I can see my fingerprints on the other side of the glass. A half finger white head formed on the pour that quickly faded to a whispy bit of foam swirling around the glass. Does leave some thin lacing. This beer actually looks a lot like their last Unplugged Series release, the Quad. The aroma is very nice and actually quite unique once past the bourbon and oak. Don’t get me wrong, the barrel aging gives this beer a great character but the key to this beer is in the big bready malts. These bready malts are reminiscent of rye and wheat bread both of which being freshly made. Before the breadiness hits the barrel aging takes a stand. Light notes of bourbon up front followed by a big oak character along with subtle waves of vanilla. I’m also picking up on some slightly sour lactic qualities that go nicely with this brew. Good flavors up front. Starts off with strong vanilla. Mild berry like qualities, bourbon and oak follow closely. There are a few bread like qualities showing up mid-palate and if they kept coming this would be a really good beer. Unfortuanately, this beer seems to fall apart halfway through. The flavors weaken, not totally going away, and some alcohol spiciness comes in on the finish. Medium bodied with a slightly sticky mouthfeel. Sluggish carbonation but it seemes to quicken on the finish pushing things through a little faster. Good sipping beer that I could see myself sitting down and having a few bottles at a time. Overall New Glarus’s Bourbon Barrel Bock is a good beer but somewhat of a let down. I expected a little more. The flavors are good but turn somewhat weak toward the finish. A really good concept but the flavors just could pull through the barrel aging. Never the less, this is a beer I wouldn’t pass up if offered. 9/22/07

(Bottle 35,5 cl) Courtesy of Bierkönig. Clear, dark amber golden with an off-white head. Distinct bourbon aroma. Medium body, sweetish, roasted malt, caramel and plenty of bourbon accents. Very subdued bitterness. A nice one. 280907

A Mes rate: Bottle at Chris_O’s HogTownHarry minifest. Thanks to Chris. Thick dark amber with a slight white film. Slightly over the top barrelly bourbon aroma. Flavour is more of the same. A little too sweet and a little too much bourbon. Barley and caramel with some light hoppage. Heavy malt finish. Pretty good.

Bottle @ RBSG 07 Minneapolis: Caramel color, nice head and light lacing. Nose of bright citrus and caramel, nice malty 2-phased approach. Balanced flavor, plenty of earthy hops. The finish is malty, a bit dry and full bodied. Hot in the tail but good and spicy.

Thanks to my lady for bringing this back from Wisconsin - clear copper beer with a small ring of lace - vanilla and oak aroma, with fairly apparent bourbon, some wintery spices, caramel, light acidity, a slight metallic quality - bourbon and bock flavors begin the experience, but they are actually quite subdued - oak is fairly strong, with an acidic, almost tart tanginess - light fruity lager qualities - the tartness and acidity are almost belgian in nature, which is probably from the supposed brett, which I’m assuming will increase with time - I’d love to revisit this one in a year or so.

Sticky sweet brew with touches of dark cherries, caramel, oak, vanilla, dark sugars, and...BOURBON. The bourbom is really too strong here, very dominating...You might want to make sure those barrels are empty, Dan, before you start filling ’em with beer. But a very high-quality brew, nonetheless...and a perfect spring or autumn warmer.

12 oz. btl. Wow. the aroma is BiG! Beautiful smooth, soft bourbon, highlighted by oak that lingers and intoxicates. Starts sweet, malty , strong, and smooth with cherries, oak, vanilla and bourbon. Has a very smooth flavor even for the dominance of the barrel,and high quality malts. As it breathes and settles it will lure you in to a an almost sinful complacincy that will engulf you entirely. I want more.

Loved this one, some smokiness to it, abit of an Alcohol bite, followed by sweetness, malt, nice smooth Vanilla, bourbon mouthfeel, nice. Thanks to my pal Duane for the brew!!