OK folks, I’m a little confused, but here’s the deal. Atlanta’s Red Brick Brewing Company was founded in July 1993 as Atlanta Brewing Company, and as such is the oldest operating craft brewer in Georgia. They were early on one of my favorites when I moved here in 2001 (as was the defunct and lamented Dogwood brewery). Not that I don’t love Sweetwater, mind you. I do. But Dogwood and Red Brick were my go to beers.

Anyway, in 2012 Red Brick released Red Brick 17^th Anniversary Ale Aged in Oak Barrels to commemorate their 17^th anniversary. This was release number 3 in their Brick Mason Series of beers. Hence the confusion, by my math Red Brick celebrated its 17^th anniversary in 2010. They released 15 Anniversary Ale in December of 2009, which is still a year and a half behind, since 2008 was their 15^th anniversary. 

So you might think they’re falling behind? Not at all! They released 20^th Anniversary Ale in 2013, right on time! I give up…..

Anyway, I have another bottle of this beer somewhere in my stash, and a few more of the Brick Masons that I haven’t gotten to yet either. Red Brick 17th Anniversary Ale Aged in Oak Barrels is a strong brown ale of strength 8.5% by volume. It was aged in Jim Beam barrels before bottling and kegging. It was pricey at $10.99 a 4-pack.

Red Brick 17^th Anniversary Ale Aged in Oak Barrels pours to a murky dark brownish color with a pronounced oaky vanilla nose and very minimal head formation. Taking a sip the beer is big and malty up front, smooth and creamy with rich rum raisin ice cream notes, the vanilla certainly adds to that. Toasty oak is omnipresent, especially as the beer warms. I don’t get hops in the finish or palate, but I do get a big drying alcohol warmth.

Delicious! Like a double scoop cone of rum raisin ice cream in a toasted oak cone. I just love those big bourbon notes in the nose and palate as it warms; this is a boozier beer than the strength suggests. A treat even at the price.

Home