Old Dominion Oak Barrel Stout -- eh?!

[Derekt2]

I seldom buy the made-for-the bottle OD Oak Barrel -- I prefer the pub's diacetyl-laden version by far -- but last night I did. The bottling date was 12/08. It was quite good for a stout but also out of whack with the recipe as I remember it. 1) The vanilla flavor was very mild, almost non-existant. This may have been a good thing. 2) Likewise there were very few woody notes from the oak chips which was also okay, but 3) It had a very pronounced hop nose (I would guess EKG) and some noticeable hop flavor as well. To give you an idea I could smell the hops the intant I popped the cap and the bottle was at least 12 inches away. Was it good? Yup. Would I buy it again? Yup. Was it what I used to buy? Nope. YMMV.

[MeridianFC]

FWIW the Reef has the Oak Barrel on draft. I'd've given it a try last night but I was invested in the Belhaven and the Fuller's Porter (both keg unfortunately).

The O.B. is a good beer but I don't think I've ever had it bottle. I'll have to give it a go.

[Derekt2]

Be forewarned that the made-for-the-pub OB and the bottled version are very different. The pub version -- previously known as Bourbon Stout is aged in used bourbon barrels -- very flavorful and quite full-bodied. Also lots of diacetyl which I normally abhor but love in this case.

The bottled replication is the Irish Stout OD used to bottle, aged on vanilla beans and oak chips. With your eyes closed it is reminiscent of the real thing but side-by-side the difference is obvious. If you love the pub version you will not be so impressed with the bottles at the store.

[brewcrew76]

I tried the Oak Barrel from a bottle a few weeks ago when I was in Philly and got quite a different impression than you mention. I thought the vanilla and oak added a great deal of flavor. I thought the hops were a little pronounced for a stout but the oak and vanilla definitely carried this one. That is my only experience with Oak Barrel so I definitely don't have a base for reference but I really enjoyed it.

[chazwicke]

I love the draft version and fortunately it is widely available and in many restaurants that I frequent. It is a different animal than the bottled version for sure.

[Derekt2]

I love the draft version and fortunately it is widely available and in many restaurants that I frequent. It is a different animal than the bottled version for sure.

Actually, the two are made the same way. It is the limited production that is actually aged in the barels just outside of the fermentation farm that supplies the pub. That is the one to ssek out and it is never sold outside of the pub not bottled.

[Derekt2]

Originally posted by Derekt2
Actually, the two are made the same way. It is the limited production that is actually aged in the barels just outside of the fermentation farm that supplies the pub. That is the one to ssek out and it is never sold outside of the pub not bottled.

Caveat: I forgot that the draft version was nitro dispensed so while it is the same formula it is not the same consistency as that in the bottle.

[chazwicke]

I've got to get over to the pub. I have 2 empty sixtels to return. Maybe tomorrow for lunch.

[MeridianFC]

That's funny, I've got empty sixtels too. If they have anything other than the usual in that format let me know. I need something for the holiday weekend.

Any opinions on their Golden Ale. I'd never bothered in the past just assuming it was more "intro micro" but their description makes it sound interesting.

[chazwicke]

Last time I was over they were most interested in our progress. Looked over their beer engines and entire cask system. I think they are a bit wary of the impending HH competition. I think they should be....;)

[MeridianFC]

They'd better be. It'll be SAB and AB knocking on our doors asking about a distro deal. The look on their mugs (mugs geddit?) will be priceless when I'll tell to f*** right off.

[Derekt2]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Last time I was over they were most interested in our progress. Looked over their beer engines and entire cask system. I think they are a bit wary of the impending HH competition. I think they should be....;)

As in Hashers?

[lordkenpo]

Originally posted by Derekt2
The bottling date was 12/08.

I'll have to "inspect" the two remaining bottles I have in my folks' fridge this weekend. Noticed some odd, almost off, flavorings in the 6er I purchased earlier this month, but that may just be on account of age (which, unfortunately, my two local stores are known for having problems with). Will also see if I can pick up a newer 6er.

Not that I'm abhorrent to change, but the Oak Barrel is my favorite readily-available stout, and I routinely pick it up as a change of pace from all of the heavier stuff I'm always trying. T'would be sad to have to look elsewhere. :(