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Best Barrel Aged, Gluten Free, Specialty Malt, Hop Hybrid
Reviews for 2017

November 2017 - Best Barrel Aged, Gluten Free, Specialty Malt, Hop Hybrid

November 2017 - Best Barrel Aged, Gluten Free, Specialty Malt, Hop Hybrid
This month's Beer feature is Best Barrel Aged, Gluten Free, Specialty Malt, Hop Hybrid

Best Barrel Aged, Gluten Free, Specialty Malt, Hop Hybrid Reviews

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Deschutes Brewery The Abyss Brandy Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
97 points
Deschutes Brewery
The Abyss Brandy Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
Dark brown black color. Interesting aromas of single village chocolate, graham cracker, licorice, and smoked jerky with a velvety, vibrant, finely carbonated, fruity fat body and a warming, intricate, long toffee, smoked peppercorn, dark roast coffee, and oak finish. A fantastical deep and rich imperial stout with great waves of flavor and texture to savor.
Awards: 2017 Top 3 Best Beer & 2017 Top 2 Best Ale & 2017 Top 3 Best US Beer & 2017 Best Barrel Aged Beer
97 points
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Date Tasted:
Bravo! Chewie Bastard Wee Heavy Scotch Ale
94 points
Bravo!
Chewie Bastard Wee Heavy Scotch Ale
Clear dark brown color. Green, citrusy aromas and flavors of mixed citrus peels and lavender, white balsamic vinaigrette, mustard greens, and jasmine tea with a supple, vibrant, finely carbonated, sourish medium-to-full body and a peppery, delightful, medium-long finish conveying notes of baking chocolate, peppercorn focaccia, salty rapini, and charred nuts finish. A big, hoppy, peppery Scottish ale sipper; try with cigars.
94 points
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Date Tasted:
pFriem Baileys Taproom 10th Anniversary Barrel-Aged Belgian-Style Pale Ale
92 points
pFriem
Bailey's Taproom 10th Anniversary Barrel-Aged Belgian-Style Pale Ale
Hazy golden yellow color. Savory, sourish aromas and flavors of citrus vinaigrette, marinated peaches and mango, herbal sourdough stuffing, and kombucha with a supple, lively, frothy, sourish medium-to-full body and a tingling, charming, medium-length finish evoking shades of radish sprouts, vanilla nut brittle, and dried coconut finish. A refreshing and nuanced lightly sour barrel aged ale.
Awards: 2017 Best Barrel Aged Ale
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Utopias 2015 Barrel-Aged Strong Ale
92 points
Samuel Adams
Utopias 2015 Barrel-Aged Strong Ale
Bronze color. Dense aromas of rancio, caramelized dried fruits, and pepper with a full body and a hot, elegant, long maple syrup drizzled almonds, amontillado sherry, and chocolate figs finish. A rich, sophisticated, and nuanced strong ale to tell your friends about.
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Sweetwater Brewing Co. The Pit & the Pendulum Barrel-aged Sour Ale
92 points
Sweetwater Brewing Co.
The Pit & the Pendulum Barrel-aged Sour Ale
Hazy sunburst color. Aromas of dried sour cherries, barnyard earth and haystack, reduced citrus, and peppered cinnamon toast with a tart, effervescent, sour medium body and an effortless, appealing, medium-long cherry vinegar, pickled cucumber relish, and nuts finish. A delicious and stimulating cherry sour ale that wakes the palate.
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Lift Bridge Beer Company Silhouette Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
91 points
Lift Bridge Beer Company
Silhouette Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
Opaque dark brown color. Aromas and flavors of dark chocolate nut muffin, coconut macaroon, and coffee ice cream with a supple, bright, finely carbonated, off-dry full body and a warming, medium-length finish with elements of chocolate cherry brownie and vanilla latte finish. A rock solid barrel-aged imperial stout.
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Delafield Brewhaus Old Number 27 Barrel-Aged Barleywine
90 points
Delafield Brewhaus
Old Number 27 Barrel-Aged Barleywine
Cloudy murky walnut color. Grainy, umami aromas and flavors of mixed grain sacks, soy nut mix, sautéed and dried mushrooms, and wet clay with an oily, bright, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity fat body and a peppery, delightful, medium-long finish with notes of molasses cookie, gingerbread, and caramelized figs and peppers finish. A rich, chewy, warming barleywine.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
pFriem Oud Bruin Barrel-Aged Brown Ale
90 points
pFriem
Oud Bruin Barrel-Aged Brown Ale
Light mahogany color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate-drizzled roasted nuts, dried fruits, and white balsamic drizzled pannetone and bread with a velvety, bright, finely carbonated, sweet-and-sour medium body and a sleek, engaging, medium-length finish that shows elements of pickled berries and white chocolate brittle finish. A delicious, well-balanced barrel aged ale.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Stillmank Beer Co. Barrel Aged Porter
90 points
Stillmank Beer Co.
Barrel Aged Porter
Nearly opaque brown color. Creamy, roasted aromas and flavors of chocolate nuts, muffin and custard and latte with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, compelling, medium-long finish with accents of dried fruits, mocha creme brulee, and licorice and delicate spice finish. A tasty and warming barrel aged porter.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Duvel Moortgat Bourbon Barrel-Aged Ale
89 points
Duvel Moortgat
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Ale
Brilliant golden amber color. Attractive, fruity aromas and flavors of honeyed fruit cake, apple-banana custard tart, pickled golden beet salad, and white wine with a satiny, bright, finely carbonated, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, medium-to-long finish conveying notes of peach-mango yogurt, honeyed pepper nut bread, cherry tart, and hint of whisky barrel finish. A precise, decadent barrel-aged ale to savor and share.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Barrel Aged Imperial Smoked Porter
89 points
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Barrel Aged Imperial Smoked Porter
Bright bronze color. Smoky, inviting aromas and flavors of smoked jerky and woods, toasted pumpernickel with smoked cheddar and onion marmalade, and band-aid with hint of iodine with a chewy, vibrant, finely carbonated, bittersweet medium-to-full body and a warming, intricate, long finish with notes of artisan dark chocolate, dulce du leche, grilled radicchio, and mixed peppercorns finish. A powerfully delicious smoked porter with a wonderful waves of flavor.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Shmaltz Brewing Company Funky Jewbelation Barrel Aged Sour
88 points
Shmaltz Brewing Company
Funky Jewbelation Barrel Aged Sour
Dark medium brown color. Interesting aromas and flavors of baking chocolate, sweet and peppery spices, pumpernickel bread pudding, and leafy greens with a slightly chewy, tart, sourish medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, long finish displaying overtones of peach-cherry vinaigrette on mustard greens, peppercorns, roasted nuts, and cola float finish. A great example of barrel aged ale with fine balance of malt and sourness.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. Belgian Prairie Belgian-Style Tripel blended with Fumé
88 points
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
Belgian Prairie Belgian-Style Tripel blended with Fumé
Hazy amber color. Attractive aromas and flavors of lemon herb muffin, caramel on raisin toast, champagne vinaigrette, and playdoh with a satiny, vibrant, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long finish that shows shades of melon, grapefruit gelato, and watercress finish. A complex, vinous ale with great table appeal.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
87 points
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co.
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
Brilliant amber color. Creamy aromas of peach and apple butters on toast, flan, and delicate herbs with a satiny, bright, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a medium caramelized nuts, vanilla cream, and peppered roasted carrots finish. A crisp, lively barrel accented ale.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co. Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale
87 points
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co.
Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale
Bright deep amber color. Creamy aromas and flavors of coconut creme pie, tres leche cake, and dream bar with a supple, crisp, fruity medium body and a tingling, easy finish with nuances of vanilla nuts, brown sugar and yams, and lettuce finish. A fun, super creamy barrel aged cream ale that will be good with desserts.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Big Boss Brewing Co. Shutterbug Barrel-Aged Peach Ale
87 points
Big Boss Brewing Co.
Shutterbug Barrel-Aged Peach Ale
Cloudy gold color. Toasty aromas and flavors of buttered sourdough toast, peach chutney, and ricotta with a supple, crisp, effervescent, sourish light-to-medium body and a smooth, buoyant finish displaying touches of peach skin and pit, butter roasted almond, and pretzel mix finish. A pleasant lightly sour peach accented ale.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Buffalo Bill’s Brewery Pumpkin Ale
87 points
Buffalo Bill’s Brewery
Pumpkin Ale
Brilliant sunburst color. Spicy aromas and flavors of fresh baked pumpkin pie with a supple, crisp, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, breezy finish with notes of celery soda and sasparilla, gingerbread with pears, carrot cake, and radish finish. A nice pumpkin beer that will appeal to many.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Deschutes Brewery Pacific Wonderland Dry-Hopped Lager
87 points
Deschutes Brewery
Pacific Wonderland Dry-Hopped Lager
Minutely hazy golden yellow color. Hoppy aromas and flavors of exotic citrus, peppercorn muffin, hop pellets, and mango powder with a supple, bright, finely carbonated, dryish medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish conveying overtones of grilled citrus and carrots, radicchio, and okra finish. A nice hoppy lager with a lot of earthy, savory notes.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Barrel Aged Blackout Imperial Stout
87 points
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Barrel Aged Blackout Imperial Stout
Dark brown black color. Attractive aromas and flavors of chocolate toffee and maple fudge with a satiny, bright, finely carbonated, off-dry medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, long finish evoking overtones of chocolate gingerbread and citrus peels and hint of pepper finish. A lively and engaging imperial stout.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co. Kentucky Peach Barrel Wheat Ale
86 points
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co.
Kentucky Peach Barrel Wheat Ale
Minutely hazy gold color. Attractive, creamy, fruity aromas and flavors of peach custard pie and white chocolate profiteroles with a velvety, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a tingling, intriguing, medium-long finish with accents of creme brulee, honey buttered golden raisin nut rye toast, radish spouts, and endive finish. An attractive toasty creamy peach accented ale that is sure to be a hit.
86 points
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Date Tasted:
Bravo! Holy Moleee Imperial Spiced Stout
86 points
Bravo!
Holy Moleee Imperial Spiced Stout
Dusty brown black color. Aromas of mexican chocolate, vanilla bean, dark roasted nuts, and leather ball with a velvety, bright, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long dark chocolate cherries and nuts and latte finish. An elegant, subtly spiced stout with great drinkability.
86 points
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Date Tasted:
Buffalo Bill’s Brewery Black Pumpkin Oatmeal Stout
86 points
Buffalo Bill’s Brewery
Black Pumpkin Oatmeal Stout
Dark walnut color. Spicy aromas of pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and apple pie with a slightly chewy, bright, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a compelling, medium-length dark chocolate covered espresso beans, cola float, roasted nuts, and pepper finish. A tasty, spicy, lively pumpkin flavored stout.
86 points
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Date Tasted:
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Barrel Aged Tripel Dog Dare Ale
86 points
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Barrel Aged Tripel Dog Dare Ale
Sedimentary deep amber color. Aromas of banana bubblegum, honeyed dried fruits, sunflower seed bread, and wintergreen and flowers with a velvety, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, breezy sarsaparilla float, praline, pear cider vinaigrette, and pepper finish. A weighty ale for desserts.
86 points
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Date Tasted:
Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company Double Cookie Imperial Stout
86 points
Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company
Double Cookie Imperial Stout
Dark brown black color. Attractive, creamy aromas of oreo cookie ice cream, vanilla salt water taffy, and hint of playdoh and glue with a velvety, finely carbonated, off-dry medium body and a warming, refreshing, long caramelized yams, cappuccino gelato, praline, and pepper finish. A fun, cookie flavored stout.
86 points
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Date Tasted:
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Barrel Aged Alberta Clipper Flavored Porter
85 points
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Barrel Aged Alberta Clipper Flavored Porter
Murky dark brown color. Interesting aromas and flavors of black licorice, raspberry dark chocolate bar, carob yogurt, and coffee grounds with a chewy, bright, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long finish that presents suggestions of toffee and peppered greens finish. A nice chocolatey porter with pleasant fruit and even balance.
85 points
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Date Tasted:
pFriem Pruim Barrel-Aged Lambic
85 points
pFriem
Pruim Barrel-Aged Lambic
Nearly opaque amber pink color. Odd aromas and flavors of melted candle wax, bbq rub and woods, and dried citrus and seeds with a slightly chewy, shrill, medium body and a tingling, intriguing, medium finish with nuances of roasted lemon juice, pickled root vegetables, gooseberry, and wet wood finish. A seriously sour ale for the table.
85 points
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Date Tasted:
Big Boss Brewing Co. Saints On Raspberries Barrel-Aged Sour Ale
84 points
Big Boss Brewing Co.
Saints On Raspberries Barrel-Aged Sour Ale
Clear copper color. Sourish aromas and flavors of raspberry balsamic vinaigrette on mesclun and reduced lemon with a supple, racy, effervescent, sweet-and-sour medium body and an effortless, appealing, medium-long finish with notes of nutskin, pickled okra and berries, and hint of nail polish remover finish. A nice sour raspberry flavored beer to whet the appetite at the table.
84 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams KMF Grand Cru Barrel Aged Sour
84 points
Samuel Adams
KMF Grand Cru Barrel Aged Sour
Murky brown color. Interesting aromas of pickle juice, edamame, carob bar, and latex with a slightly chewy, bright, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, delightful, long pomegranate vinaigrette on greens, hot pickles, and figs jam on sourdough toast finish. A rich, meal in a glass style sour ale.
84 points
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Date Tasted:
Suntory ALL-FREE Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverage
81 points
Suntory
ALL-FREE Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverage
Brilliant light gold color. Aromas of lemon curd on toasted crumpet and corn meal with a watery body and a swift puffed wheat, popcorn, puffed barley, and nectarine skin finish. A solid nonalcoholic beer; try as a shandy.
81 points
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Date Tasted:
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