Beer Review: Williamsburg AleWerks Bourbon Barrel Porter

by Mike Lorenz on Jan 2, 2012 in Beer
Beer Review: Williamsburg AleWerks Bourbon Barrel Porter

Bourbon and beer are great teammates. Some drinkers may choose to chase a fine glass of bourbon with a beer, but for many brewers the connection doesn’t stop there. Several breweries release specialty dark ales aged in different types of whiskey barrels, hoping to impart the qualities of the liquor they once held onto the beer. This winter, as part of their Brewmaster’s Reserve Series, Williamsburg AleWerks of Virginia has released  Bourbon Barrel Porter, a barrel-aged version of their imperial porter.

Poured into a pint glass from a limited release 22-oz. bottle (just over 2000 were produced), the porter has a wonderfully dark brown color with a thin coffee cream-toned head. At first whiff, the enticing qualities of bourbon released by the barrels are apparent. The first sip brings hints of oak, vanilla and toffee, sneaking through the strong whiskey flavor to create a wonderfully balanced taste. Sipping through an entire glass, this brew yields a slowly developing warming quality that reminds you of its time spent in wood casks and its 9% ABV.

Williamsburg AleWerks has managed to create a great harmony between the imperial porter and the oaky qualities of bourbon. Oftentimes the experiment in barrel-aging can be heavy-handed, imparting too much sweet vanilla and woody notes for many craft fans. However, Bourbon Barrel Porter is a different story, sublimely balancing the beer and the whiskey. Unfortunately, the limited release is now gone, but keep an eye out for brewmaster Geoff Logan's future creations.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
The Shark Week Drinking Game

The Shark Week Drinking Game

This year, one of cable TV's longest-running programs celebrates its 29th anniversary. Enjoy it to the fullest with this handy game. Shark Week starts...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 26, 2016
A Spanish Winemaker is Producing Blue Wine

A Spanish Winemaker is Producing Blue Wine

We've all heard of red wine and white wine. But now, we can get what we've always dreamed of when looking through a wine list: blue wine. ...read more ›

by Ryan Hudak Jun 21, 2016
Devil's Creek Brewery Is Open in Collingswood

Devil's Creek Brewery Is Open in Collingswood

Collingswood's first brewery, Devil’s Creek Brewery, opened its doors recently on May 21 at its new spot on Haddon Avenue....read more ›

by Erica Bauwens Jun 2, 2016
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Craft Beer Garden and Restaurant Comes to Cooper River

Craft Beer Garden and Restaurant Comes to Cooper River

Cooper River Park in Pennsauken may be known for weddings and crew races, but a new beer garden is giving craft beer lovers a new excuse to check out ...read more ›

by Erica Bauwens Jun 2, 2016
Tonewood Brewing Is Coming to Oaklyn

Tonewood Brewing Is Coming to Oaklyn

Oaklyn is getting a brand new brewery called Tonewood Brewing, which will be run by two brothers, with a projected opening date of Tuesday, June 7....read more ›

by Erica Bauwens Jun 2, 2016
Medford's Main Street Is Experiencing a Craft Beer Boom

Medford's Main Street Is Experiencing a Craft Beer Boom

Medford in Burlington County will soon be home to two craft breweries along their Main Street drag....read more ›

by Erica Bauwens May 18, 2016
The Inventor of St. Germain, Robert J. Cooper, Has Passed Away at 39

The Inventor of St. Germain, Robert J. Cooper, Has Passed Away at 39

The inventor of St. Germain passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016....read more ›

by Alexander Frane May 2, 2016
Make This Purple Cocktail To Honor Prince's Memory

Make This Purple Cocktail To Honor Prince's Memory

Make this delicious purple cocktail to honor Prince's memory....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 21, 2016
This Late Night L.A. Restaurant is Serving Boozy Bowls of Classic Kids Cereal

This Late Night L.A. Restaurant is Serving Boozy Bowls of Classic Kids Cereal

Grab a boozy, late-night breakfast at L.A.'s newest concept....read more ›

by Alexander Frane Apr 19, 2016
Disney's Tower of Terror Is Getting a Bar

Disney's Tower of Terror Is Getting a Bar

Disney's Tower of Terror is getting its very own bar....read more ›

by Alexander Frane Apr 15, 2016
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close