By Julia Burke, Beer Editor
This unique series by Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, a riff on experimental barrel aging, has produced some fantastic brews including an NYCR Beer of the Year Finalist.
This bottling, aged in rum barrels, pours a lovely cappuccino/camoflage-colored one-finger head with attractive and resilient lacing. The body is burnt-ember black and thick but not syrupy. Like all Smoke From the Oak beerslike all the Smoke From the Oak beers it's a beautiful package.
The nose is lightly smoky and just a touch hot, with a roasted meat/garrigue aroma as well as notes of coffee, chicory and birch, and the toasted-sugar flavor of creme brulee.
On the palate, chocolate malt and ash (a tasting buddy remarked that it was like an outdoor fire pit the morning after a campfire) blend with rich alcohol and rum-induced sweetness for excellent finish and length.
Definitely a sipper with its powerful flavors and assertive yet well-integrated alcohol, this is an outstanding pairing for smoked meats and blue cheese, and I'd love to try it with a slightly gamey entree such as lamb.
Producer: Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
ABV: 10%
Sample Size: 25 oz. bottle
Stemware: Snifter glass
Price: Released in 3-pack sampler with glass for $60*
Score: A-
Julia - words cannot express my jealousy. I've wanted to try this particular release for some time now. I have one bottle of the Smoke from the Oak that was aged in Merlot and Cab Sav barrels. It's a nice beer but given my love of rum I would love to get my hands on that. Have to try harder!
Posted by: LTS | January 28, 2011 at 10:11 AM
As the Trident website warns, “Do not open around family, friends and the neighbors down the street. They’ll all want a piece…” and with so many crave-able , long lasting flavors, who can blame them?
Posted by: true religion outlet | April 20, 2011 at 04:25 AM