Reviewing the Bourbon Barrel-Aged Shipwrecked Porter from Arcadia Brewing Company out of Michigan.Score: 93
December 2011 vintage bottle served in a snifter glass and enjoyed on 03/13/12.
Appearance: Pours a jet black color with a think strip of caramel colored highlight at the top of the glass. Average lacing, but amazing retention. One finger of creamy tan head at pour that settles quicker than usual. 4/5
Smell: Very smooth bourbon and raisin, milk chocolate, tiramissu, brown sugar, a little walnut and a hint of alcohol esters. The aroma is nice and complexly inviting, but a lot more subtle than most barrel-aged beers that I have experienced to date. 4.5/5
Taste: Like the nose, the taste is mellow-but-flavorful (and quite creamy). Rich milk chocolate, smooth bourbon and a super-light alcohol bite. Raisin and vanilla on the midpalate. Residual smooth bourbon flavor and bitter chocolate finish. Hint of brown sugar and a touch of oaky spice in the mix too. 4/5
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, low carbonation. Creamy, smooth mouthfeel. Bittersweet finish. 4.5/5
Overall: At $6 per bottle, this one is a bargain. Very nuanced with barrel-aged complexity. I will be seeking this one out again (in multiples) next year for sure.
Recommendation: An underrated beer that is worth hunting down. It is a slightly bit boozy, which leads me to believe that it is not the best starter barrel-aged craft beer for the casual beer drinker.
Pairings: Vanilla ice cream.
Cost: $5.99 for a 12 oz bottle.
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