I finally opened the Five Lamps Whiskey Barrel Aged Beers last night. As they range from 7 to 10% I was happy to have a friend to share them with. The beers were all aged in Glendalough Whiskey Barrels. When I shared the above picture on Facebook there was a comment that some of the big guys have given barrel aging a bad name. This is a little different, it’s on a smaller scale for starters with only 1,100 bottles of each produced. I’m also pretty sure that the beer actually spent time in the Barrels as opposed to having oak chips added to the brew.
The first one I opened was the Honor Bright Red Ale, it was decent, and had a pleasant caramel malt well rounded flavour. The whiskey came through but wasn’t overpowering.
Myself and my friend both really enjoyed the Black Pitts Porter. We both agreed that the barrel aging suited this beer very well. I’d like to be able to get this one again but such is the nature of these things.
The Dark IPA was, sadly, the disappointment of the trio. I don’t think it benefited from the barrel aging process but as I haven’t had it unbarrel aged I could be wrong! It struck me as more of a light bodied barleywine. Still, as Mr Meatloaf always says: ‘Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad’…Sláinte!
For a moment then (when I could only see the first photo) I thought you were going to talk about wine! Phew!