Heady bourbon piquancy positively affects affluent Cassis-styled blackberry-curdled oak-casked barleywine. Dank cellar waft picks up port, burgundy, and Merlot illusions that settle at frantic cherry-soured prune-raisin-fig peak. Red wine aficionados may enjoy its sharply tannic red, purple, and black grape tartness. On tap 2011, months of aging changed the profile, complexion, and complexity of this wonderfully vintaged ‘big beer.’ Tasting like a Mai Tai with its coconut-pineapple conflux, the newfound caramelized whiskey malting and candied apple sash truly sweetened the deal.
