Sierra Nevada Brandy Barrel Aged Quad–Draft (10/10)

In the photo at the left, you’ll see a glass of Sierra Nevada’s Ovila Brandy Barrel Aged Quad, poured from the tap at the 101 Beer Kitchen.  The contents of that glass did not last long after the photo was taken.

The beer pours a deep brown with a thin white head.  It has a soft drink like carbonation to it.

The aroma is one of brandy with a hint of Belgian style spice.  It is one of the best-smelling beers I’ve ever encountered.

The flavor, in a word, is amazing.  The flavor contains notes of oak and brandy.  It’s slightly sweet and malty, with hints of Belgian spice, and fruit.  There is a little bit of an alcohol burn to it, which isn’t surprising given its 10.1% alcohol content.  This is, without any doubt, one of the finest beers I’ve ever had the privilege to drink.  I would have it again without hesitation, and recommend it to you as strongly as I can (unless you hate Belgian style beers or barrel aged ones).  It probably goes without saying that a second glass was ordered as soon as I finished the first.  (There might have been additional glasses, but I needed to be able to walk out of the place. :-) )

This is a limited edition beer, typically found in draft form only.  It’s rare enough that Beer Advocate has only a handful of reviews for it.  Those range (as of this writing) from 4.38 to 4.75 out of 5 or about a 90% average.  In other words, I think they liked it also.

ABV: 10.1%
IBU: Unknown, but probably not above 20
My Rating:  10/10 (it’s tempting to rate it an “11”, it’s that good!)