 hapjydeuce (558), Carlsbad, California, USA
May 22, 2008
2005 Bottle, thanks to jarspag for ordering this from the brewery. Normally I prefer bourbon-barrel aged beers, but I think overall I like the brandy version more between the two. Hazy burgundy color with no signs of head and only a minute amount of bubbling in the center. The brandy and oak completely smother the aroma, with nuances of spicy caramel, raisin, cinnamon and nutmeg. Wow! The addition of brandy through barrel seepage has resulted in a liqueur appearance; leaving legs on the snifter upon swirling. Very smooth flavor profile with prominent oak barrel, sweet sweet caramel and cinnamon, candy sugar with very subdued hints of pine. Syrupy and velvety body with a bit of pleasant oxidation. Ends with very warm alcohol content.
JB175 (1325), Holland, Pennsylvania, USA
Aug 5, 2008 Bottle from xmarcnolanx - thanks! This one is a nice darker brown color with almost no head. Aroma is heavy and sweet - lots of vanilla, oak, brandy, brown sugar, dark fruits, and a bit of alcohol. Flavor is sweet and delicious - woody vanilla undertones with a powerful, sugary wallop that has some brandy and ripe fruit. Wonderful mouthfeel that leaves you wanting more. Its no wonder that this is great, starting with old stock and all, but this really takes it to the next level. A bit more time on this would help. The only downside to the beer is that, having tried the Angels Share, it is a close #2 in Brandy Barrel beers. Still wonderful - please make more!!!
bumpskier (19), Sonoma, California, USA
Jul 31, 2008 Picked up at the brewery. Been saving for a special occasion and this trip to Lake Tahoe is it. Poured into a Delirium Tremins snifter and at first I was a little nervous because it was pouring a hazy brown. The head is virtually non existent, however @ 14.7 abv there usually is not, the alcohol kills it. The aroma is quite amazing with tremendous aromas of wood, fruit & alcohol. Nice vanilla aspects from the wood. What I really appreciate is that the Brandy is not at the forefront of this beer. It is an enhancement to the beer. For a% abv beer I feel that is quite drinkable not too sweet. I am so glad that I have more of this to age at home. I should have never expected anything less from the great folks at North Coast. Up next.....the Bourbon Barrel.
Crosling (1637), Loveland, Colorado, USA
Jul 29, 2008 One of, if not the best beer I’ve had in 2008. Incredibly complex aroma that gives notes of raisins, figs, caramel, toffee from the base beer as well as added dimensions of brandy soaked wood, vanilla and coconut from the oak. Flavor consists of chocolate, caramel, brandy, coconut, vanilla, dark fruit. Port-like character. Chewy and beyond rich. This beer is amazing and a total jaw dropper. Thanks to Steve for sharing.
heemer77 (3647), Savannah, Missouri, USA
Jul 17, 2008 Thanks a lot for sharing, iowaherkeye! Cloduy dark brown body with no head. With some swirling I got a little bit of a light kahki head. The aroma is light brandy with some leather and milk chocolate. There is also a little bit of almond. The taste has some light toffee and cocoa. There is some nice hints of brown sugar. This is very good.
decaturstevo (1192), decatur, Tennessee, USA
Jul 13, 2008 btl opened by JohnC. Hazy brown pour with light head and lace. Brandy, cherries, and raisins on the nose. Flavor of raisins, dates, and abv. Solid full palate with good carbonation. A beer that I would classify as a super sipper not a drinker:) thanks John
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