Judge’s Review: 92 Rating – Barrel-Aged Brownie Batter Blend #2 Base by Pontoon Brewing

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer | Special Release | United States

By Jim Koebel

Judges Rating: 92
Aroma: 24
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 18

Barrel-Aged Brownie Batter Blend #2 Base by Pontoon Brewing was judged as BJCP Category 33B, Specialty Wood-Aged Beer.
This beer’s aromas are rich and legion. They are a mixture of dark and dried fruits, oak and ethanol, punctuated with vanilla and becoming sweeter as the beer warms. It is expectedly black in color with a low, tan head (minimal foam is acceptable in high-alcohol beers). It delivers a decadent flavor that is fruity, roasty and quite sweet. Thankfully the wood tannins and warm, prickly finish temper the sweetness such that it is not cloying. This is an enjoyable cold weather beer – as long as one doesn’t get too greedy, as the ABV will sneak up on you.