Terrapin Cabernet Oak-Aged Rye Pale Ale

Brewed by Terrapin Beer Company
Style: American Pale Ale
Athens, Georgia USA

On draft at Tyler’s, Durham. Poured into a snifter, hazy amber with a moderate head. Very strong vinous aroma, duh. Oak is there but the aggressive grape dominates the woody notes. And alas, it dominates the base beer too, with most traces of the rye being overpowered. Still some bitter notes coming through, but their distinctiveness is washed out, and ditto for the malts. Something about the astringency of cabernet doesn’t do this beer many favors.

Cask at Terrapin and friends dinner @ Trappeze. Poured a cloudy gold with an amber tint, quite a bit different than normal rye ale. Aroma with also quite different, with lots of barrel oak and plenty of fruity vinous note, this in addition a more subtle hop, malt, and rye. Taste is very heavy on the oak and fruit/wine, with some malt and hop. Mouth is smooth and finish is tart and a little bitter.