Beer of the Week: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

Beer score: 9.3

Company: Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company

ABV: 8.2
IBU: 19

My home state of Kentucky has done me proud with this beer, and it's brewed right in my home town of Lexington!

Pour one of these into a glass and you'll experience an amber shade just this side of light gold along with a frothy head that vanishes swiftly. A slight scent of bourbon should hit you right away, but it will not be overpowering; in fact, that bourbon smell should be just right, just enough to remind you of the stronger drink but not enough to ruin the beer textures.

Once on your tongue, the taste is smooth but robust, rich and sweet, with touches of charred wood, caramel, butterscotch and vanilla, perhaps even a little citrus. Goes down a little on the dry side.

Bourbon fans looking for a beer should look no further. Many a beer fan will also enjoy this one, but if they happen to not be a fan of bourbon (perish the thought!), then they might want to look elsewhere. All in all, this is a quality beer. Is it for everyone? Hmm, probably not, but it should be.

To add a last note, one of the things I like about this beer is that it's unusual enough to be brought out for tastings and special occasions, but it's also smooth enough to sip regularly.