Backpocket BrrrFest Barrel Aged Winterfest Ale

This 7.0% ABV is a winter ale aged in bourbon barrels. It was for the 2015 BrrrFest.  It comes from the Backpocket Brewing Company of Coralville, Iowa.  This "Corridor Collaboration" is a release from their Lab Series, where they get a little more adventurous and try out some new styles.  If you are ever in the Coralville/Iowa City area, or just driving by on I-80, this place is definitely worth a stop.

The beer pours a very dark brown with a tint of ruby when held to the light. There is a half inch of light tan head that goes down quickly to a rag-tap thin and spotty head. The aroma is tangy, fruity, whiskey, cherries, light vanilla. The taste is cherries, brown sugar, whiskey, with light oak and vanilla. There is sweetness and tanginess in the taste, along with a dry and lightly bitter finish. There is a very soft and fine carbonation, with the beer drinking smooth. I wish the beer underneath had a little more weight and heft, but the overall effect is good, with very nice barrel notes.