Beer Review: Barrel Aged Hi-Fi Rye (Batch 1)

Reviewing the Barrel Aged Hi-Fi Rye (Batch 1) from Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery out of Flossmoor, Illinois.

Score: 96

Batch 1 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: Pours a murky, fudge color with ruby highlights. Poor lacing, good retention. 4/5

Smell: Bourbon, caramel and brown sugar. Hint of cherry. Faint fudge. Oak and a hint of “rye bread.” Dates too. 4.75/5

Taste: Smooth bourbon, vanilla and caramel. Bready malt and brown sugar towards the back half. Hint of dark fruit. More fudge and cherry on the palate than in the nose, but both are still complexities rather than prominent elements. Very smooth and easy drinking, with well-integrated flavors. Lightly sweet. The hops have totally faded, but there is still a faint rye flavor and prickle on the tongue. Boozy flavors without much “booziness.” 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-full bodied, low carbonation. Syrupy, modestly malty mouthfeel. 4.5/5

Overall: It is a shame this one is being retired; the original vintage is one of the best barleywines out there. Seek a bottle out if you can; it very much lived up to its hype.

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