Bourbon Barrel Aged Pale Ale

This Full Sail Brewing Co. beer was judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (BJCP 33B).

The beer featured a very light brown color with little or no carbonation. At first sniff the aroma was heavenly. I detected hints of vanilla, raisins/dried fruit, malt sweetness and oak notes and very little hop aromas. And the flavors did not disappoint. I had wonderful flavors of vanilla, dried fruit, raisins and caramel from the bourbon barrel along with roasted malts and a dominant malt bill balanced nicely with moderate hop bittering. At first glance, I thought the hops might be too strong of a presence in this beer, but it compliments it nicely. The mouthfeel and body was medium/heavy and the carbonation was just spot on. The aftertaste had a nice malt sweetness along with a lingering alcohol warmth associated with bigger beers like Old Ale and/or Barley Wine. The alcohol was a little heavy for this beer style (Pale Ale), mostly due to the residual bourbon left in the barrel. I mean, the alcohol clocks in at 10 percent!  While somewhat perplexing, it was still an enjoyable beer best consumed in a small quantity.