Today's sampling is Brasserie Nonsuch's 2023 Vintage of their Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Strong. I've reviewed the regular version of this beer in the past, back all the way in 2015. For a moment while on Google I thought "Oh god, did I actually review a different vintage of this beer?!" No, it was a completely different beer that completely gushed at me. 8% ABVAppearance: Opaque cherrywood body with a lot of carbonation in the body, a definite fizz on top and a bit of a beige head on top.
Aroma: I was expecting full on oak and a sweet boozy burn of Bourbon I actually get pretty much a hefty sweet & tart cherry presence. My nose has been effed up for a few weeks from a recent trip so I'm not getting too much more - there's a bit of oak but it's pretty subdued. Has a definite red wine vibe to it in every sniff I've taken so far.
Taste: I was starting to second guess myself - where's the Bourbon? Where's the Belgiany notes I was excited for.. They're here! The first sip I took I gave out an audible "Mmmm!" expression. The Belgian Strong and the Bourbon hit at the exact same time. I get a boozy, oaky flavour mingling with a Belgian punch to it - spiced, bubble gum, fig, raisins. The cherry vibe is there but it's now a slight tartness at the end more than anything else.
Overall Thoughts: Everything I was expecting before opening this fully came out when I was tasting it but really.. every part of this beer was an enjoyable experience. I will always get a bit giddy on days when I finally get to find a Belgian ale to sample..
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