Lexington Brewing only makes 3 beers, Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light, and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and they were kind enough to send me a few bottles of each. I decided to review the Bourbon Barrel ale as it sounded interesting as it is aged in freshly decanted bourbon barrels from some of Kentuckys distilleries, which sounded like a great way to represent their state.
Before I start the review, the best glassware for this beer is a snifter. If you notice my picture I did use a pint glass instead, only for the fact that I just realized I need a new snifter or two and will be buying some this week. American strong ales are great in snifters, but pint glasses work too.
The Kentucky Bourbon Barrel ale poured a very clear copper color with some light carbonation bubbles floating to the top of the glass. There was some thick off white head that dissipated into some pretty solid lacing which gave this beer a pretty beautiful look.
I really enjoy a good bourbon so I was pretty excited with the aroma. It was all bourbon smelling with vanilla, booze and wood in the nose. This was probably one of the most enjoyable beers I’ve smelled and would definitely give the aroma an A+.
The flavor overall is definitely unique. It almost tastes like some bourbon on the rocks where the ice has melted and your left with a watered down drink that I’m not sure if I should like it or not. Along with the bourbon flavor I can definitely taste oak along with some malt sweetness and vanilla.
It took me awhile to figure out if I really liked this beer or if I would just rather have a glass of bourbon, but I think I like it. The mouthfeel is fairly light with a moderate amount of carbonation that I think most fans of bourbon might appreciate at least trying this beer.
It’s a very creative drink and I appreciate the uniqueness of the beer quite a bit. I’m not sure I would drink this everyday, but it is definitely a beer I’d revisit and I’d suggest you at least give it a taste if you come across it.
Check out their commercial for this beer:
My Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale Review: B+
Here are the details:
ABV: 8.19%
IBUs: 15
Style: American Strong Ale
What’s your thoughts on Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale?
