Wow … Talk about a desert beer. This beauty was consumed at the Pub (British-Inspired American Crafted) at the Cleveland airport while waiting on my flight.
They would only serve this to me in a 10oz glass because of the 9.0% ABV. I got the bonus 2oz standard sample prior to order so FU alcohol regulation task farce.
There is zero head to this ale and it’s color is a beautiful amber that bleeds into the oak stained bar. I can barely smell it thanks to a capacity fill in a snifter glass. The flavor…omg the flavor. It tastes so sweet like bananas dipped in vanilla extract. It is as soft as velvet coating the mouth. The after taste lasts for a very long time allowing me to sip and enjoy.
As I slowly drink this down I can smell the smooth bourbon aroma. This is so complete in all stages. I rarely get impressed completely… Perhaps it is the fact that I just finished a rich meal…perhaps I had an amazing day…perhaps I have been thinking of a beer for the last few hours. Perhaps this beer is just that good. Only time will tell… I will update this post during my second session. This is under the assumption that my local Total Wine carries this hidden gem. Hint hint.
As the brew gets warmer, the flavor gets better. I am tasting the evolution of beer. This is like a three course meal. Pure sweetness transitioning to a delightfully complete beer experience. At room temperature the roasted malts come out. The vanilla is dominant throughout the cycle.
5 stars on all sides. This is by far my new favorite desert beer.
I asked the waitress who brewed this beer. It is the namesake and only beer brewed by “Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale”. Mad respect to the brewmasters at ABBA… Keep it up boys!
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is actually brewed by a Lexington brewery called Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Company, but I have to agree that it’s an amazing beer!