My wife picked up this 4 pack of a limited-release bourbon barrel aged versions of some of the standard beers from Rochester Mills in Auburn Hills, MI. She said she had been eyeing it and thought I would like it because she is the best. Only 5,000 of these 4 packs were made (with one of each variety of beer per pack). I dug in.
Euphorious Brown Ale brewed with Michigan Maple Aged in Bourbon Barrels
I was the most excited about this one but it was probably my least favorite of the pack.
It has a 7.7% ABV content made with magnum and mt rainier hops from Michigan.
Appearance: murky amber-brown with thin head
Smell: very strongly of bourbon but some malt sweetness
Taste: too heavy on the bourbon, maple barely noticeable
Mouthfeel: medium, low carbonation
Drinkability: only had 1/2 of the 16 oz can. I enjoyed it - I like the taste of bourbon. But wanted more balance.
I was also very excited about this one.
Magnificent Imperial Milk Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels.
9% ABV, magnum and Michigan Mt. Rainier hops and a 7 malt blend including pilsner, chocolate, and biscuit.
Appearance: like a milk stout! Pitch black with a very pretty brown head.
Smell: chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, bread.
Taste: very good! bitterness, chocolate, bourbon, vanilla.
Mouthfeel: creamy.
Drinkability: Very good. Alcohol and sweetness not overpowering, neither was the bourbon flavor. Strong flavors, the sweetness and chocolate-roasty flavors stood out more.
Spendiferous - Imperial Amber Ale
9% ABV. Used 100% Michigan Chinook Hops and Belgian candi sugar.
Appearance: Hazy amber with a bit of head - very pretty.
Smell: mild - just a bit of hops, bourbon, and sugar sweetness
Taste: Flavorful but more balanced than the brown ale. Plenty of sweet fruit flavors, malt flavors, tasted like an amber ale but with the presence of bourbon.
Mouthfeel: medium, well-carbonated.
Drinkability: very good! Only planned on drinking half the can on this particular evening (watching my carbs) but oops, then had the whole 16 oz can. A little sweeter than I would like but definitely enjoyable.
Righteous Irish Red Ale
6.8% ABV, brewed with Magnum and MI Mt. Rainier hops
Appearance: Very pretty amber with a thin head
Smell: malty, apple cider, tartness
Taste: least bourbon-y of the 4-pack. More malty - caramel, bread, apple, and just a touch of bourbon.
Mouthfeel - medium
Drinkability - Very good! This was a tasty, well-balanced beer. Nothing remarkable or outstanding, just solid.
It's always fun to try a variety pack, and a limited-release one at that. My favorites were definitely the Magnificent Imperial Milk Stout and Splendiferous Imperial Amber Ale.