Redux Kenspeckle Scotch-Style Ale by Garage Brewing Co. is a bourbon barrel-aged Scottish ale and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Specialty Wood-Aged Beers are aged in spirit barrels and should have a harmonious blend between the barrel characters (typically vanilla and toasted oak), the barrel spirits and the base style. Wee Heavy (category 17C) is the strongest Scottish-style ale with generous flavors of rich, sweet caramel and toffee and dark fruits over a medium-high or high mouthfeel. Redux Kenspeckle Scotch-Ale was barrel-aged for nine months in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels and measures in at 10.9% ABV.

Redux Kenspeckle pours almost black with some dark amber hues, is clear, and sports a moderately sized tan head. The aroma is moderate bourbon and toasted oak with slightly lower rich caramel and dark fruits of black cherries. The flavor is moderate bourbon and toasted oak on even keel with the rich caramel and dark cherry esters; a hint of vanilla compliments the malts and esters. The body is medium-full with a light carbonation and moderate warmth. The beer finishes moderately bitter with a light sweetness and generous flavors of bourbon, toasted oak, caramel and dark cherry esters.

Redux Kenspeckle Scotch-Ale is an exceptional barrel-aged beer. The barrel-aging comes through at a level that is about even with the base style. The base style characteristics of rich caramel malt and dark cherry esters meld well with the vanilla, toasted oak and bourbon from the barrel. The beer is a little boozy as noted by the diminished body and warmth (but it is never hot). Turn down that AC and enjoy a well-made bourbon-barrel aged beer!