Typically barrel aged beers are aged in barrels that were formerly used to age something else (such as wine, bourbon, whiskey, etc), and it imparts some flavour from the former contents. Sometimes fresh barrels are used though.
The most commonly available barrel aged beer that comes to mind is Stone Brewing's Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard Ale, which is aged, I believe, in fresh oak barrels.
Some beer is best fresh, but some beers age like wine to become more complex. Barrel aging, in addition to imparting other flavours, I feel also kind of mellows beer out and makes it smoother.
Another extremely delicious barrel aged beer is Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout, aged in bourbon barrels. But you better like dark beer for that, its the darkest thickest beer I've ever seen.
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timeasmymeasure
Re: Mead
Date: 2009-01-04 02:36 am (UTC)The most commonly available barrel aged beer that comes to mind is Stone Brewing's Barrel Aged Arrogant Bastard Ale, which is aged, I believe, in fresh oak barrels.
Some beer is best fresh, but some beers age like wine to become more complex. Barrel aging, in addition to imparting other flavours, I feel also kind of mellows beer out and makes it smoother.
Another extremely delicious barrel aged beer is Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout, aged in bourbon barrels. But you better like dark beer for that, its the darkest thickest beer I've ever seen.