Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is a beer that is known for its rich and complex flavors, thanks to its carefully selected ingredients and unique aging process. Let's take a closer look at the key components that make up this delicious brew.
Grain Bill:
The grain bill of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale consists of a blend of different grains, each contributing its own characteristics to the final product. The majority of the grains used is 78% American 2row, which provides a solid base for the beer. This grain is known for its mild flavor and ability to enhance the other ingredients.
To add some sweetness and depth, 8% Caramel 40 is included in the grain bill. This caramel malt imparts a caramelized flavor and a touch of sweetness to the beer. Additionally, 8% Carapils is used, which is a type of malt that adds body and mouthfeel to the beer. It helps to create a smooth and full-bodied texture.
To enhance the beer's head retention and add a touch of complexity, 6% Malted Wheat is added to the grain bill. Wheat malt is known for its ability to create a creamy and long-lasting foam on top of the beer, while also contributing a subtle wheat flavor.
Hops:
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is hopped with two classic English hop varieties: East Kent Goldings and Fuggles. These hops are known for their earthy, floral, and slightly spicy characteristics, which complement the malty backbone of the beer. The hops provide a balancing bitterness to counteract the sweetness from the grains, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile.
Yeast:
The beer is fermented with an English Ale yeast strain. This specific yeast strain is chosen for its ability to produce fruity esters and subtle spicy notes during fermentation. It contributes to the overall flavor and aroma profile of the beer, adding complexity and depth.
Barrel Aging:
One of the defining features of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is its aging process. After fermentation, the beer is aged for a period of six weeks in freshly emptied bourbon barrels. This aging process allows the beer to absorb the flavors and aromas from the barrels, creating a unique and distinct character.
The bourbon barrels infuse the beer with notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and of course, bourbon. The aging process also helps to mellow out any harsh flavors and adds a smoothness to the beer. It's this barrel aging that gives Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale its name and sets it apart from other beers.
The ingredients in Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale include a blend of grains such as American 2row, Caramel 40, Carapils, and Malted Wheat, along with East Kent Goldings and Fuggles hops, and an English Ale yeast strain. The beer is then aged for six weeks in freshly emptied bourbon barrels, which imparts unique flavors and aromas to the final product. This combination of ingredients and aging process results in a rich, complex, and satisfying beer that is loved by many.