A lot of people are really getting into the whole barrel aging process and some are hitting it or missing it. Trust me I have had a couple I will say missed it but have enjoyed many barrel aged beers that hit it. Heretic’s worry is one I will add to my Hit list of barrel aged beers. Now I have only had one beer that was barrel aged in Chardonnay barrels and that was Russian Rivers “Temptation” and it was a great beer with the barrels playing a okay factor with the beer unlike Worry that real lets the Chardonnay barrels shine. If your a white wine drinker, Chardonnay to be exact who enjoys a buttery chard, and enjoys beer too then this is for you.
Heretic Brewing Co. – “Worry” Belgian-style golden ale aged in French oak chardonnay barrels
9.8% abv 20 ibu’s – special release – Poured into a tulip glass from 375 ml corked bottle. Bought at Kelly’s Liquors Store in San Jose, Ca.
Appearance: Pours a cloudy burnt golden color with hints of brown hue, 1 finger fluffy white head that dissipates fast, okay alcohol legs with nice lacing, and minimal carbonation.
Aroma: Huge floral notes, vinous wine like qualities, sour apple, pineapple, yeast esters, apple cider like, musty, earthy, and has hints of the oak sucked from the barrel.
Taste: pale like hints, musty, grape skin, apple, buttery feel to the palate, light body, okay carbonation to the palate, oak, hints of alcohol that give heat to the chest, has a dry finish to the palate.
Overall: Wow! this beer a huge aroma thriller the barrel age factor shines in the aroma as well as the ester notes from the yeast, but when it came down to the taste I was 50/50 about the beer it was nice but a bit to boozy for me, and too buttery like Rombauer Chardonnay. Honestly this is a hit or miss beer but I do see a lot of white wine drinkers who love buttery chardonnay’s enjoying this. Well the final verdict is a 16 out of a 20 making this a a solid “B” beer.
