Redux Western Pear Heffe Hefeweizen

Redux Western Pear Heffe Hefeweizen was judged as Fruit Beer (29A BJCP 2021) with a base style of Wheatwine (22D). Whiskey oak barrel aromas (vanilla, bourbon, and oaky) leap out of the glass. Beneath the barrel aromas, strong pear and peach fruit aromas are perceptible with some subtle stone fruit notes underneath as well (plum). Malt sweetness also makes it into the nose, completing a quite complex layering of aromas that is intriguing. The color is golden with a touch of haze. There is no head whatsoever, likely a side effect of the strength of this beer. The flavor is similarly complex. Peach and pear fruit overtones layer on the oak barrel qualities (big vanilla, slight bourbon). Malt sweetness provides a nice balance to the alcoholic strength that is quite obvious, but not harsh or distracting. The fruit and vanilla tones carry into the finish leaving a pleasant, lingering flavor. The mouthfeel is warm from alcohol and slightly viscous. The carbonation is fairly masked by the alcoholic strength. All told, I find this to be a quite fun and unique strong beer with lots of flavors and no over-dominance from any one characteristic. This beer could easily be considered experimental, and there is a great deal of creativity that went into its creation. I highly recommend it!