Pinchy Jeek Barl

Upon initial impression, the aroma exudes bourbon barrel-aging characteristics of prominent bourbon, toasted oak, and vanilla. Pumpkin spices build in intensity with each whiff, eventually matching and melding with the barrel characters along with a chocolate and caramel malt background. The flavor demonstrates considerable complexity with the pumpkin spices (nutmeg!) melding well with rich, semi-sweet chocolate/caramel malt and bourbon/toasted oak barrel character. Initially, the pumpkin spices add a slightly sharp astringency, but the sharpness fades as the beer warms. The beer finishes with an excellent interplay of malt, barrel, and spices with the vanilla and toasted oak melding well with the slightly sweet caramel and chocolate malt while balancing the pumpkin pie spices and tempering spice astringency. This beer shows exemplary balance, complexity and richness while restraining the typical sharpness of pumpkin pie spices. This beer is well suited for those seeking either seasonal Halloween beers or rich, complex, barrel-aged strong ales. Enjoy!