Last Will & Testament

Last Will & Testament (Blend No. 1, 2018) by Monday Night Brewing is a bourbon-barrel aged old ale and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The best Specialty Wood-Aged Beers have a “harmonious blend” between the base beer and the wood/spirits resulting in a flavorful, complex blend. Old Ales are noted for their rich malt character, full body, and complimenting esters. Last Will & Testament is aged in bourbon barrels for 14 months.

This beer pours black in color, clear, with a finely-beaded brown head. The aroma is prominently bourbon and toasted oak with a background of rich caramel malt. The body is full and very warming. The flavor continues to display a ton of bourbon, vanilla, and toasted oak over a rich, dark caramel malt base; elements of treacle, tobacco, dark chocolate, and raisins compliment. Strong bourbon and rich caramel malt linger long in a warming finish. From a BJCP sanctioned competition standpoint, the bourbon and barrel flavors should be more harmonious with the base Old Ale style. But, from a bourbon-barrel beer aficionado’s perspective, the bourbon and barrel characteristics are very will done resulting in a sublimely enjoyable beer. Cheers!