The Brewery: The Bruery (Placentia, CA)
The Brew: White Oak (Wheatwine/Strong Ale)
Availability: Draft and bottles (Spring & Summer)
ABV: 11.5%, IBU: 20
Rating: 8.9/10
Location: Home
The Story? Straight to the point on this one - White Oak is an exercise in balance. 50% wheatwine aged in Bourbon barrels (The Bruery call it "White Oak Sap"), and 50% Mischief (Golden Strong Ale). If that blend doesn't peak your interest, you're in the wrong place.
The Beer? Mild bourbon and sourdough on the nose. Fluffy head with adequate lace that doesn't fade too fast atop a hazy, caramel colored brew. Down the hatch, it's a robust concoction with a slippery mouthfeel. The taste is quite tart and full of bourbon. An explosion of flavors, really. Deep, complex combinations continuously realign and vie for the tongue's attention, supported by a lighter body than one might expect. Unusual, intriguing, and impressive.
The booze and bourbon are at the immediate forefront followed by elements of coconut and vanilla and nods to mild spices and caramel. Further through the bottle, a strong presence of thick pineapple juice arises in the nose alongside tastes of pineapple, apricot, toffee, and candied sugar. Strong, unabashed, but not overwhelming, though also not recommended for the impatient drinker.
Overall, White Oak is a bold blend of Belgian and American styles and tenancies. Moderately sweet, but held in check by the gravity. A weighty, sipping wheat ale for the adventurous enthusiast.
No comments:
Post a Comment