Local's Stash Rum Barrel Aged Dark Ale With Ginger And Lime

Local's Stash Rum Barrel Aged Dark Ale With Ginger And Lime by Crazy Mountain is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (2015 BJCP Category 33B) offering according to the BJCP guidelines. For this style, expect the barrel  that is selected to impart its characteristics into the beer from the previous stated use. While the base beer remains apparent, this style allows for a wide range of flavors based on the barrel used and the aging time.

Fragrant, fresh-squeezed lime mixes immediately with a rich rum character. Dark fruits of raisin, dates and figs tailgate the initial aroma and lead the way for a moderate malt backbone. The malt is lightly toasted Graham crackers and warm bread. The ginger character is faint in nose while the fresh lime lingers throughout. Pouring clear dark mahogany, this stately ale supports a small, tight-bubbled beige head which dissipates to a cordon and a thin, spotty film on top. The flavor initially is lightly tart and then sweet limes, as if the pulp is bursting in your mouth. A pithy and lightly tannic presence enters with some ginger notes while the warm, rich and sweet rum carries the dark fruits through. As with the aroma, a rich toasted Graham cracker malt supports this blended mixture. Hops are not readily apparent except for a spicy, grassy bitterness holding back the sweetness. A dry and peppery alcohol presence finishes off the flavor. Full bodied, this sipper provides a pleasant alcohol warmth over moderate carbonation.

As I sit and continue contemplating the beer, allowing it to slowly warm, I find the lime freshness quite pleasing and anticipate that allowing this bold, somewhat boozy beer to age would provide year-round enjoyment. The nose presents increasingly more alcohol presence as the beer warms, yet the lime remains intact, as do the other aromatics. This beer would complement a spicy Thai dish very well.