Rummaging through my beer fridge I found a real gem the other night: Thirsty Dog Wulver Wee Heavy Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels. I have had this beer for about a year and a half and quite honestly it could easily have been aged longer. Strong in alcohol and rich in flavor and character, it is certainly a brew that can stand up to time and maybe even improve a little.
Thirsty Dog does not distribute in Georgia but I got a bottle in a beer trade from Dave Coulter. I do so love Wee Heavy’s so this beer is right up my alley.
From the label:
We made this beer specifically for bourbon barrels. The result is our most acclaimed bourbon barrel beer. Bourbon barrel aging and specialty malts create flavors of vanilla and caramel that blend in perfect balance.
Thirsty Dog Wulver Wee Heavy Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels has an alcohol content of 12% by volume-quite formidable for a Wee Heavy-with 22 IBUs. The price is a deal breaker for me at $28.99 for a 4-pack of bottles.
Thirsty Dog Wulver Wee Heavy Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels pours to a dark caramel brown color with a very, very light head formation and a luscious bourbon-soaked raisin nose. Taking a sip, the beer is rich and malty with thick caramel/treacle notes, molasses and brown sugar, rum raisin ice cream, dark fruity raisin, fruit cake and just tons of bourbon flavor. It finishes warm with alcohol and sweet.
This is simply an amazing beer that I’d like to age even further to see how it develops. As mentioned, the beer is not sold in Georgia, though Total Wine does sell it in nearby South Carolina. Though I enjoyed it, I would not pay $29 for four bottles of beer. It’s just too high in price. So, for me this is not a rebuy, and though I would grant it 4 ½ stars, I would take back a star for the ridiculous price.
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