Quad Review: Bourbon Cru

 Cataloging beer styles is becoming increasingly difficult, as brewers push boundaries further. This could be  considered either a  Quadrupel Abbey Ale  or an Imperial IPA. The aging in Bourbon barrels muddies the water even further. And the aging was done with clear intent: a dog fight of intense flavors.

Rabid out of the bottle, this mongrel foams to a white collar. One is struck with flavors of malt whiskey and beer malt right out the gate. Vanillin and cinnamon ride a bubble of warm alcohol as a heavy dose of carbonation mellows it all out. Coconut and banana peak through, and so does a bit of bourbon smoke and bitter chocolate. Red fruits start coming out in the finish.  A fantastic big beer, with a good balance of flavors and textures.

Hardywood Park is a new brewery, founded in 2o12 in Richmond, Virginia.  Fans of big beers should keep a close eye on them.