Full Sail Brewing Releases Kentucky Cream Bourbon Barrel Aged Pale Ale
Full Sail Brewing continues its year of new beer releases. The latest beer to hit the market as part of its Brewers Reserve Series is Kentucky Cream Bourbon Barrel Aged Pale Ale.
A salute to the classic American bourbon, Kentucky Cream was brewed in February 2016 and was then aged for over 12 months in Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon, and Old Forester barrels. Kentucky Cream is described as a medium-bodied, honey-colored pale ale that’s smooth on the palate with a slightly spicy, warm finish and sits at 10% ABV with 40 IBUs.
“We looked to bourbon, the whiskey that made Kentucky famous, for this latest barrel aged release,” says Full Sail Brewmaster Jim Kelter in a statement. “Deconstructing this American classic, the grains most often used for bourbon (in this case corn, barley, and rye) were incorporated into a pale ale, racked post-ferment into bourbon barrels, and left to rest for one year.”
What results in this long tedious process is a beer that strikes a note with aromas of ripe cherries, vanilla and tobacco leaf and oak that lead to flavors of caramel, honey and dried fruit.
The process of barrel aging is described here by Full Sail Brewing…
Wood barrel aging is an art form. When done right, it’s a wonderful thing. Full Sail brewers honor the barrel aging tradition by pouring creativity, innovation and passion into small, limited-release beers. Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve series highlights the direct connection with farmers, celebrates the art of barrel aging and explores the effects of time. Full Sail’s bourbon beers, carefully aged in bourbon casks, tempt patience and grow smoother and even more interesting with time. They cellar well, so store a few bottles in a dark, cool place and be patient, and you will be rewarded for your effort and restraint.
Kentucky Cream Bourbon Barrel Aged Pale Ale is brewed and racked in small batches, and is only available in limited quantities in 22 oz. bottles and draft just in time for American Craft Beer Week.
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About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.