Wood and Barrel Aged Beer

These are any traditional or experimental style of lager, ale or hybrid beer aged in either a wooden barrel or in contact with wood. These beers are aged with the intention of developing unique attributes imparted by the wood and/or by liquids that had previously been stored in contact with the wood.

Wood aging does not necessarily impart wood flavors, but does result in distinctive sensory outcomes. Used sherry, rum, whiskey, tequila, port, wine and other barrels are often used, imparting complexity and uniqueness to a beer. A balance of aroma, flavor and mouthfeel results from the marriage of new beer with attributes imparted by the wood or barrel.

Two Subcategories
A.Subcategory: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Pale to Amber Beer

-Color: Pale to Amber. Within the framework of these guidelines these beers are less than 18 SRM. SRM stands for ‘Standard Reference Method’, a scale devised by scientists to describe how light or dark a beer is. Scale is 0 to 40 where 0 is clear and 40 is black (Russian Imperial Stout).

-Clarity: Varies with underlying style

-Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Varies with underlying style

-Hop Aroma and Flavor and Bitterness Varies with underlying style

-Body: Varies with underlying style

-ABV: 3.8%-6.3%

B. Subcategory: Wood- and Barrel-Aged Dark
Beer

-Color: Dark Copper to Black. Within the framework of these guidelines, these beers are greater than 18 SRM

-Clarity: Varies with underlying style

-Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Varies with underlying style

-Hop Aroma and Flavor and Bitterness Varies with underlying style

-Body: Varies with underlying style

-ABV: Within the framework of these guidelines, these beers contain alcohol less than 6.3% abv when consumed.

Examples (courtesy of Beer Advocate)
(https://www.beeradvocate.com)

Trip In The Woods: Barrel-Aged Maple Scotch | Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Style: Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy

Alcohol by volume (ABV): 9.80%

Notes / Commercial Description:
Scotch-style ale brewed with maple syrup and aged in Bourbon barrels.

Trip In The Woods: Narwhal (Bourbon Barrel-Aged With Red & Black Currants) | Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Style: Russian Imperial Stout

Alcohol by volume (ABV): 9.80%

A malt-forward monster, highlighting the depths of malt flavor.

Narwhal Imperial Stout is inspired by the mysterious creature that thrives in the deepest fathoms of the frigid Arctic Ocean. Featuring incredible depth of malt flavor, rich with notes of espresso, baker’s cocoa, roasted grain and a light hint of smoke, Narwhal is a massive malt-forward monster. Aggressive but refined with a velvety smooth body and decadent finish, Narwhal will age in the bottle for years to come.

Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2

Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH

Michael Potorti
Founder/Brewer
Host of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcast
michael@craftbeerstorm.com
michael@bearairishbrew.com

*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***

Beara Brewing Co.
2800 Lafayette Road
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Tel. (857) 342-3272

www.bearairishbrew.com

Like us on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/

**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**

Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2

Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriber

Craft Beer Storm Podcast Radio Public:
https://radiopublic.com/craft-beer-storm-WdbK0L

Craft Beer Storm Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/

Craft Beer Storm Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerstorm/