“James E. Pepper brewed an American Brown Ale and aged it in oak barrels. The Ale was aged in the same oak barrels in which James E. Pepper recently aged their 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey. The Ale is a deep, dark brown ale, that, when served, could be mistaken for a stout. The taste is sweet with coffee, vanilla and oak notes shining through. The rye comes through a bit on the finish.”
Glassware: American Pint.
Appearance: Dark brown hue with a lot of thick suspended sediment floating around. It builds a big two and a half finger head which collapsed to a collar. Laced well despite the diminishing head.
Aroma: We unreservedly love the whisky so to get strong wafts of the spicy and at times even sweet and buttery nose is so fulfilling. Behind the gorgeous whisky notes is a seriously smooth, malty and nutty affair, supported by hints of vanilla, toffee, chocolate and subtle licorice. Just a touch of oak in here too. Superb.
Flavour: Delish! Essentially what they’ve done is wrap subtle notes of the whisky up inside a malty coating of a brown ale. Sweet nutty malts on the front end with the spicy, buttery and caramel notes of the whisky through the middle. It finishes with warming booze, toffee, vanilla and woody oak tannins on the rear.
Mouthfeel: A bit of warmth from the 10% ABV. Thick and almost silky texture. Lively co2 which is quite the surprise considering the profile of the beer.
Overall: After a year and a bit in the storage unit we thought this bad boy was ready for consumption. It brings three years of age in total now and it’s done wonders. We may have to go and get ourselves a couple more!