So after a long, hard, grueling day at work, what does one do to make the trip home a little easier? If you thought I was going to say pop open a beer, you’re wrong: drinking while driving is always a bad idea. Actually, I was going to say get gas, at least you should if you are as low as I was a few days ago. So, I stopped at the new Shell Station that just opened about a mile from my office, and conveniently on the way home.
Somehow, you say, this is going to involve beer, or he wouldn’t be talking about it here. Dear reader, how sage you are indeed. As I stood pumping gas into my car, I noticed a big orange blob on the pump that advertised a free growler jug with any 64 ounce beer purchase. Huh? Was this a promotion for the new growler shop that opened about 5 miles down highway 9?
Not at all. Going inside, I noticed a wall of about 7 active taps boxed in on either side by a wall of growler bottles. Now, I knew that growlers had come to Georgia and small growler shops were popping up all over the place. But in a gas station? This sure gives new meaning to the term "Fill 'er up." Somewhere, up in beer heaven, the Beer Hunter Michael Jackson was certainly smiling.
Of the various selections available for pouring was Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, and that’s the beer I decided to take home. The station owner was even kind enough to give me a sample (1 three ounce sample per customer, by law). I didn’t buy it then and there, but came back the next day with a 32-ounce swingtop growler to be filled.
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale set me back $9.99 for the 32 ounce fill; a half gallon would cost $7 more. The beer is made by Alltech/Lexington Brewing and Distilling, and they bottle as well, though I have yet to see their beer for sale that way here in Georgia. This is a strong ale aged (“for up to 6 weeks” according to the brewer) in bourbon barrels, which you can definitely tell when you take a sip.
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale pours to a deep amber orange color with a medium sized creamy head formation and a formidable and definite whisky nose. Taking a sip, I get some caramel malt up front for just a minute before the effects of the bourbon barrel aging take over: vanilla, toasted oak, toffee, toasted nuts and in the finish dry bourbon notes. There’s definitely alcohol warmth in the finish, too, that suggest a strong shot of whisky (though at 8.2% by volume Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale may be strong for a beer but very weak for bourbon).
I am impressed, and will definitely buy this one again. The whisky notes really come out nicely in this beer and I could gently sip it all evening. For some reason, it’s getting beat up on the beer geek sites, but I liked it. I’d recommend a try, even if it is a bit pricey. It did win a silver medal in 2007 at the Great American Beer Festival, after all.
Oh and while I’m thinking about it, as much as we complain about the price of gas, beer is ounce for ounce far more expensive. Think about that, as you sip your next one.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler