Oak-aging is a technique with a rich history of use in various wines and liquors. It is only natural that some beers may benefit from the process as well, gaining a silkier texture or unique flavors, ranging anywhere from spicy vanilla to firewood. What better kind of beer is there to match the sight of forlorn, leaf-less branches outside your window?

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‘RUM CASK OAK AGED BEER’ – INNIS & GUNN – Strong Scotch Ale – 7.40% ABV (Eye Choir’s Top Choice)

Appearance: Poured a brilliant garnet, with a two finger, off-white head. Though mostly transparent, carbonation is not readily visible. 4.5/5

Smell: As promised in the name, strong aromas of spiced rum, with sugar cane/molasses, oak, and bready toasted malt which carry slight boozy quality. Also present is vanilla, hints of green apple, and slight spicy hops. Impeccably balanced and totally unique. 5/5

Taste: Initially somewhat sweet, with the malt coming through strongly as a dominant note, though some musty, spicy hops are present. Sour and slightly bitter on the finish, which really evokes the fruit ester flavors, even conjuring cherries and grapes. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium to heavy body, with a definite heat from the alcohol and molasses mouthfeel. There is a kick of acidity which plays off what is actually a fairly mild carbonation as well. Fits very well with rum theme. 5/5

Overall: Very well-balanced despite the unique palate of aromas. Well-crafted, and entirely satisfying for someone who likes fine liquors as well as beer. 5/5

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‘BURTON BATON IPA’ – DOGFISH HEAD – Imperial IPA – 10.00% ABV

Appearance: Poured a dark, hazy reddish-brown, with a persistent two finger off-white head which sports distinctly large bubbles. 4/5

Smell: Strong floral citric grapefruit hops with woody and vanilla notes, though the oak is not as strong as expected. Also a fair amount of dry biscuity caramel malt, though combined with the array of fruit flavors, is difficult to fully appreciate. 3.5/5

Taste: Surprisingly mild compared to the aromas, with dark woody and spicy flavors, though less citrus than expected. Moderate to strong bitterness, with a good, big dose of sweetness which brings out the malt flavors a little bit more. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Heavy body with a creamy mouthfeel, the high alcohol content yielding a distinct heat. The mouthfeel contrasts with a spritzy moderate carbonation which is a bit at odds with the heavy oak and hop character of the beer. 3.5/5

Overall: Interesting palate, but the lack of evolution in the oak and malt flavors as well as inconsistent aesthetics are a little disappointing. 3.5/5

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‘2007 HARVEST ALE (LAGAVULIN WHISKY CASK)’ – J.W. LEE’S – English Barleywine – 11.50% ABV

Appearance: Poured a moderately dark orange-brown with a one finger, off-white head. There is a large amount of shockingly clumpy sediment (a little odd-looking), though no carbonation can be seen. 3.5/5

Smell: Dominant aroma is a smoky peat, which coalesces with bold whisky-cask oak flavors and a strong English caramel malt to create a very rustic scent (my girlfriend likens this smokiness to ‘honey-barbecue potato chips’). Digging deeper yields a bit of raisin or grape flavor as well as a modicum of slightly oxidized alcohol. 4/5

Taste: Immediately quite sweet, amplifying the alcohol and oxidized flavors. These are fortunately balanced quite well with the heavily caramelized malt, which is elevated into cocoa and butterscotch notes. There is a mild moderate tartness as well which balances the sweetness, considering that only the faintest mild bitterness (with no hop flavor to speak of) is present. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium to heavy body with mild carbonation and a syrupy mouthfeel which seems in part due to the incredible sweetness. There is also a lot of alcohol warmth which matches the scotch flavors and increases their spicy vanilla character. 4/5

Overall: Almost too strongly flavored, with a somewhat strange assortment of tastes which for some may be hard to drink. Yet, the balance is fine and the malt character is impressively deep despite being so enmeshed with the oak and whisky. 4/5

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‘OLD HEATHEN’ – WEYERBACHER – Russian Imperial Stout – 8.00% ABV

Appearance: Poured an indelibly opaque black with a one finger, brown head with orange traces. Nothing is visible throughout the dark body. 4/5

Smell: Strong malt aroma which is predominantly coffee with touches of cocoa, molasses, and roasted malts. This sits over an oaky background with notes of vanilla and rum flavor, as well as a palate of dark fruit, especially cherries. Very balanced yet also quite distinctive. 4.5/5

Taste: Has a mild sweetness counterbalanced by slightly earthy hop bitterness and moderate acidity which last into a long finish. There is boozy taste which shows notes of oxidation, though this is hardly a fault, as the strength of other flavors relegate this to a subtle background note. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Heavy, though lacking the creaminess/viscosity of a typical Russian Imperial Stout, which ends up downplaying some of the malt flavors. Nice smooth warming from the alcohol though, with light carbonation. 3.5/5

Overall: Complex yet balanced palate, though the mouthfeel could be a little thicker to complement the flavors. 4/5