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Michael Heniff's picture

Helldorado

September, 2015
Judges Rating: 
88
Aroma: 
22 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
34 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
10 / 10
Overall Impression: 
16 / 20

The first impression of this brew is an intense bourbon aroma with an accompaniment of toasted oak and vanilla. Bold and boozy all the way through, this barrel-aged beer oozes with aromas and flavors from both the spirits and their casks, with toasted oak and vanilla being most prominent. Only a hint of malt penetrates the flavor, and the El Dorado hops never appear. Finishing light on bitterness, the bourbon and toasted oak remain at the forefront with a prominent, yet never hot, alcoholic warmth. Quite enjoyable and perhaps dangerously drinkable, more malt character would make this beer more well-rounded. Then again, that seems not to have been the brewer's intention!