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Stoutly Going Where No Beer Has Gone Before
This category, which also has some crossover with Specialty Beer, is at its basic definition beers that are aged in non-neutral wood. This can to produce an intentional wood-influenced flavor effect (vanillin, caramel, toast), or flavors derived from the alcohol previously aged in the wood if any (bourbon, scotch whisky, sherry), as well as the action of microorganisms living in the wood. A wide variety of base beer styles can benefit from barrel aging, although darker or more alcoholic styles have been popular choices.
Interpreting the 100-point Scale
Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:
| Point Range |
Quality Band |
| 96-100 points |
Platinum |
| 90-95 points |
Gold |
| 85-90 points |
Silver |
| 80-84 points |
Bronze |
| Less than 80 |
Not Recommended |
Legend
= Brewpub- ABV = Alcohol by volume
- Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted
92 He’Brew Vertical Jewbelation Barrel Aged Ale, Shmaltz Brewing Company (NY). 10.5% ABV (1/11)
Dark brown color. Rich, chewy, finely carbonated with dark toffee, roast root vegetable, dried fruity, nut, delicate spice and custard aromas and flavors all in fine balance. A delicious beer to savor.
86 Night Cap Ale, BridgePort Brewing Co. (OR). 7.2% ABV (1/11)
Rich copper color with a lacy taupe head. Aromas of white chocolate-drizzled peaches and oranges and dusty nut shell with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a crisp, tangy caramel green apple and grassy hop finish. Could use a touch more bourbon barrel character.
