The Bruery - Bourbon Barrel-Aged 6 Geese-A-Laying 2014

The third feature in our September 2023 Special Offer to our Rare Beer Club members is the bourbon barrel-aged version of 6 Geese-A-Laying, bottled in 2014. A portion of the 6 Geese-A-Laying, a delicious Belgian-style Dark Ale with Cape Gooseberries produced in 2013, was rested for 12 months in bourbon barrels, adding more flavor and complexity to this already intensely flavorful beer.

The Bourbon Barrel-Aged 6 Geese-A-Laying pours a deep, rich dark brown, drifting towards mahogany with hints of amber. It has a slight haze developed during the 12 months of resting in the barrels and produces a quickly dissipating head of tan foam. The aroma is as complex and inviting as you might expect with the bourbon barrel notes coming to the forefront right away. A warming and slightly sweet character wafts into our noses which carries with it prominent dark fruit aromas of raisins, plums, figs, dried black cherries, and dates. Following this is the brightness and freshness of the gooseberries which are complementary to the intense caramel, vanilla, toffee, brown sugar, and cocoa aromas that we encounter from start to finish.

Upon taking the first sip we experience massive amounts of the bourbon barrel influence, providing layer upon layer of caramel, vanilla, toffee, brown sugar, and cocoa. The next sip is elevated by the gooseberries exhibiting a slight tart character, adding a bit of contrast to the rich raisins, plums, dried cherries, figs, and dates. There is definitely a decadent fruity sweetness here, but the acidity from the gooseberries mellows it, and allows other flavors that weren’t noticeable in the nose to come forward such as holiday spices like cinnamon, clove, and a touch of nutmeg.

Given its time in the barrel, the mouthfeel of the Bourbon Barrel-Aged 6 Geese-A-Laying is round, smooth, and full bodied, with a touch of effervescent mousse, providing a pleasant, soothing, and lasting finish.

The Bourbon Barrel-Aged 6 Geese-A-Laying is drinking execptionaly well for a beer hitting the nine year mark from the bottling date as of this writing, and we expect it to do so for many years to come. This beer paired with desserts incorporating gooseberries is a must, and can also be considered alongside dishes consisting of roasted gamebirds, blue veined cheeses, and charcuterie.