Soul Shakedown Party by Sun King is a Rum Barrel Aged Scotch Ale, and is being evaluated as a wood aged (2015 BJCP Category 22C) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style, characteristics from both the barrel as well as from what the barrel originally contained (Rum) should be evident. In this instance, there is much more of the latter than the former.
The beer was poured from a modern version of the cone top can, which, being a beer can collector, I find fascinating. Caramel, molasses, port and treacle aromas coat the nose upon the pour, leaving the impression of an extremely well aged brew. Visually, this lightly carbonated deep brown brew with ruby highlights has brilliant clarity but has a rather thin head that dissipates rapidly.
Caramel malt and cherry flavors dominate up front, with some caramel and molasses notes coming through from middle through finish. Interestingly, the luscious thick and rich malt complexity expected from a Scotch Ale is not evident, with the malt expression in the middle and finish being rather weak and thin. Meanwhile, the rum character is quite evident and makes itself very well known throughout the drink, becoming stronger in the middle and finish. While the rum flavor is quite complementary to this brew, the overall impression is a bit boozy and warming, particularly in the finish. Wood flavors derived from the barrel are quite subtle. The body is quite thin for the style, perhaps due to the barrel aging process.
This is a nice warming option for a cold Polar Vortex Winter’s day. Well worth a try. Cheers and enjoy!!