Beer Review: Barrel Aged Hi-Fi Rye (Batch 2)

Reviewing the Barrel Aged Hi-Fi Rye (Batch 2) from Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery out of Flossmoor, Illinois.

Score: 93

Batch 2 bottle served in a plastic taster glass and enjoyed on 07/28/12. Review is from iPhone notes I jotted down at my birthday bottle share.

Appearance: Both Batch 1 and Batch 2 have a near identical appearance. Murky fudge color. Poor lacing/retention. 4/5

Smell: Batch 2 is somewhat of a different beast than Batch 1. Hops, caramel, barley malt, and brown sugar are the dominating elements of the aroma. The bourbon qualities are less defining than they were in Batch 1. There is also more alcohol heat in the nose than Batch 1. Still, quite inviting. 4.5/5

Taste: Much hoppier and “fruity caramel” forward. Some bitterness that was not in Batch 1. Almost exactly reminds me of the 2012 release of Three Floyds’ Barrel Aged Behemoth. 4.25/5

Mouthfeel: Similar mouthfeel to Batch 1. Syrupy, medium-plus bodied. The viscosity was slightly thinner than Batch 1. Not a lot of carbonation. 4/5

Overall: An excellent beer, but different in both flavor and quality than Batch 1. Both vintages look identical (same label, same wax) save for a slight difference in the appearance of the bottles that is only apparent when you put them next to each other. Both releases are worth seeking out, but the first batch is much better. Fans of Barrel Aged Behemoth will likely enjoy this beer.

 

Cost: $15 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.