Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

 There are some hints of citrus in the nose of this barrel aged ale, but primarily you will smell bourbon. I am fond of this trend to age various beers in liquor barrels, but often the flavor of the liquor is overpowering. The bourbon flavor is quite strong in this case, but as it nears room temperature, you will notice some hints of caramel, indicative off the malts used during the brewing process. There is a sharp alcohol bite to this brew also a slight oiliness which makes me wonder if there are some hops in there. Though not outstanding, quite enjoyable.
-Zech gives this brew 3 out of 5-

Chimay Belgian Ale

 

 As you faithful readers know, part of this blog's purpose is to help you avoid potentially costly mistakes in your beer choices that could lighten your wallet and foul your mood.  This Chimay Belgian ale is one of those mistakes. I really enjoy belgian barley wines and high abv ales, so when I saw this offering at one of my favorite Jackson, TN restaurants, Picasso's, I thought "Oh, that will be nice." Wow. I could not have been more wrong. Imagine vodka mixed with water and stir in some wheat germ for flavor and Voila! Chimay ale. 

  And then you get to pay $9.00 US for a 12 ounce bottle. Doesn't that sound fun? Well, I didn't think so and I would warn you off this pretentious brew.

 -Zech gives Chimay Belgian Ale a disappointed 1 out of 5-