In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence in interest in barrel-ageing, with many craft breweries once again utilizing this traditional method.
Barrel-aged beers can be made with any type of beer base, but are typically darker styles such as stouts and porters. The length of time spent in the barrel will also impact the flavour of the final product; shorter periods will result in more subtle flavours, while longer ageing will produce more pronounced flavours.
Whether you're a fan of classic barrel-aged beers or are curious about this emerging trend, there's sure to be a barrel-aged beer out there that's perfect for you!
What is Barrel-Aged Beer Craft Beer?
Barrel-aged beer is a type of craft beer that is brewed by ageing the beer in wooden barrels. The barrel ageing process gives the beer a unique flavour and aroma that can be different from batch to batch. The characteristics of barrel-aged beer can vary depending on the type of wood used, the length of time the beer is aged, and the temperature at which it is stored.
The base for barrel-aged beer is typically a strong ale or lager that has been aged for at least six months. The length of time that the beer is aged will impact the final flavour and alcohol content of the beer. Typically, barrel-aged beers have a higher alcohol content than non-barrel aged beers. Shorter ageing periods will result in a lighter bodied beer with less complex flavours.
Common woods used include oak, cherry, and maple. The type of wood will impart different flavours and aromas to the beer. For example, oak barrels will give the beer a vanilla flavour, while cherry barrels will impart a fruity flavour.
The final flavour profile of barrel-aged beers can also be affected by the length of time they are aged. Beers that are aged for longer periods of time will have more complex flavours with hints of caramel, toffee, and chocolate.
Barrel-aged beers can range in alcoholic strength from 4-13%. However, the most common range is between 8-12%. The higher alcohol content makes these beers a great choice for sipping and savouring.
Colour & Aroma of Barrel-Aged Beer Craft Beer
When it comes to barrel-aged beer, there are two main factors that contribute to the final flavour and aroma: the type of barrel used, and the length of time the beer spends ageing in the barrel.
The most common types of barrels used for ageing beer are bourbon barrels and wine barrels. Bourbon barrels impart a strong vanilla and oak character to the beer, while wine barrels can add tannins, sweetness, or other flavours depending on the type of wine that was previously aged in them.
The longer a beer spends ageing in a barrel, the more intense the flavour and aroma will be. For example, a bourbon barrel-aged stout that has been aged for 12 months will have a much more pronounced bourbon character than one that has only been aged for 6 months.
Barrel-aged beers can be enjoyed fresh or cellared (stored) for future enjoyment. When cellaring barrel-aged beers, it is important to remember that they will continue to evolve and change over time, so taste them periodically to see how they are developing.
What does Barrel-Aged Beer craft beer taste like?
There are a few different ways that brewers can go about barrel-ageing their beer. The most common is to age the beer in used spirit barrels, which imparts a distinct flavour profile to the finished product. Depending on the type of spirit that was originally aged in the barrel, you can expect to taste different flavours in the beer. For example, bourbon barrels will impart a vanilla and oak flavour to the beer, while whiskey barrels will give it a smoky character.
Other brewers will choose to age their beer in wine barrels, which can also add unique flavours to the final product. Wine barrels tend to add fruity and tart flavours to the beer, as well as tannins from the wood. This can create a very complex flavour profile that is often very enjoyable.
No matter what type of barrel you ageing your beer in, you can expect it to have a noticeably different flavour than un-aged craft beer. Barrel-aged beers are often very smooth and complex, with a variety of different flavours coming through in each sip. If you're looking for something new and exciting to try, then barrel-aged craft beer is definitely worth checking out.
Clarity of Barrel-Aged Beer
When it comes to barrel-aged beer, clarity is key. This type of beer is typically aged in wooden barrels, which can impart a hazy appearance to the final product. However, that haze should not be confused with poor clarity. In fact, many barrel-aged beers are quite clear, thanks to the use of high-quality brewing techniques and ingredients.
That being said, there are a few things that can impact the clarity of barrel-aged beer. One is the type of barrel used for ageing. Oak barrels are the most common type used in brewing, but other woods like chestnut or cherry can also be used. Each type of wood imparts different flavours and aromas to the beer, which can affect its clarity.
Another factor that can impact clarity is the length of time the beer is aged in the barrel. Generally speaking, the longer a beer is aged, the more time it has to develop haze-causing compounds like tannins and proteins. That's why many brewers choose to age their beers for shorter periods of time, which results in a clearer final product.
Finally, it's worth noting that some styles of barrel-aged beer are intentionally hazy or cloudy. For example, many Belgian Lambic beers are known for their characteristic turbidity. In these cases, haze is actually part of the style and desired by drinkers. So, don't be afraid of a little haze in your barrel-aged beer.
Carbonation content of Barrel-Aged Beer Craft Beer
When it comes to barrel-aged beer, one of the most important factors is the carbonation content. Too much carbonation can result in a beer that is too fizzy and difficult to drink. On the other hand, not enough carbonation can make a beer seem flat and unappealing. The ideal carbonation content for barrel-aged beer will vary depending on the style of beer, but generally speaking, you want to aim for a slightly lower carbonation level than you would for a non-barrel-aged beer. This will help to offset some of the sweetness from the barrels and make the beer more balanced overall.
There are a few different ways to control the carbonation content of your barrel-aged beer. One method is to use a technique called "racking." This involves transferring the beer from one vessel to another, which allows you to leave behind some of the yeast and sediment that can cause high levels of carbonation. Another option is to add less sugar when brewing, as this will result in less fermentation and thus less carbonation. Finally, you can also add CO2 after fermentation has completed, which will give you more control over the final carbonation level.
No matter what method you choose, make sure you take careful measurements throughout the process so that you end up with a finished product that tastes just right!
Popular brands of Barrel-Aged Beer Craft Beer
There are many popular brands of barrel-aged beer craft beer. Some of the most popular include:
- Founders Brewing Company: Based in Michigan, Founders is one of the most popular brewery in the United States. They offer a wide range of barrel-aged beers, including their famous Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS).
- Red Rock Brewery: this is a family run brewery based on a farm in South Devon. They are known for their Imperial Porter.
- Sierra Nevada: this is a California-based brewery that is well known for their IPA's.
Conclusion
Barrel-aged beer is a type of craft beer that has been aged in a wooden barrel for a period of time, typically several months. This ageing process often imparts unique flavours to the beer, such as vanilla, oak, or bourbon. Barrel-aged beers can be expensive, but they are often worth the price tag due to their complex flavour profiles.
There are a variety of options for barrel-aged beers, with some being aged in wine barrels, whiskey barrels, or even tequila barrels. These beers often have a strong alcohol content, so it is important to drink them in moderation. The taste of these beers can vary greatly depending on the beer's base style and the type of barrel used for ageing.
Barrel-aged beers are perfect for those who want to expand their palates and explore craft beer styles that are more complex than your average brew. If you're looking to try something new and interesting, then consider giving one of these flavourful creations a try!
With many different types of barrel-aged beers available, so there is sure to be one that appeals to everyone's taste!
