Beer Review: The Marquis

Reviewing the Marquis from Revolution Brewing Company out of Chicago the afternoon before Dark Lord Day. Revolution has a fantastical barrel aging program, and even though I did not like the base beer I decided to give this one a whirl. As with Gravedigger Billy, I was rewarded for my curiosity.
Score: 91

10 oz tap our served in a tulip and enjoyed at the Revolution brewpub on 04/27/12. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: Translucent auburn orange color. Served with thin layer of off-white head. Good lacing and retention. 4/5

Smell: Cherry, raspberry, grassy black currant and red grape. The Cabernet barrel aging is very apparent, very well incorporated. Pear, fruity/floral malt and a light amount of alcohol. Some sweet fruit and a little brown sugar too. 4.25/5

Taste: Very complex fruit sweetness. Fruity red wine, cherry and currant. Plenty of acidic red wine sweetness, though it is more apparent in back half than upfront. Pear, cherry and melon juiciness. A little brown sugar/molasses on the midpalate. Lingering red grape finish that grows as it layers. A little sugary sweet, but not overly sweet. Dry Cabernet finish with more brown sugar at room temp. Booziness almost entirely hidden. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Light-medium bodied, medium carbonation. Very smooth mouthfeel; almost like an oily and thin syrup. Sweet and dry finish. 4/5

Overall: The base beer was not very good, but once again Revolution proves a good barrel program can do wonders to even the most mediocre beer. I would not call this one of my favorite barrel aged beers by Revolution, and I feel it was a bit overpriced at $10 for a 10 oz pour, but I welcome the experimentation and will continue to try their barrel aged beers if they keep churning out brews up to the quality of Gravedigger Billy once in a while. I cannot wait for the Revolution Brewing groundbreaking party for their new canning facility -- where I finally intend to drink/review Baracus and BA Baracus.

Recommendation: Give the beer a whirl if you are at Revolution if you like drier/sweeter beers or red wine.

Pairings: The antihero chicken sandwich.

Cost: $10 for a 10 oz pour.