Saint Brewis

A St. Louis Craft Beer Blog

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4 Hands Brewery – AB Woodsman

Brewery: 4 Hands Brewery
Location  St. Louis, MO
Style Apple Brandy Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
 ABV 9.5%
 IBUs 40

 

Best Quote During Tasting

Speaking of big boobs, have you watched Fuller House yet?

Justin:

Aroma - Holy apples, man! There's a ton of apple aroma coming out that has notes of apple butter and cider.  There are some dark malts that are there too, and finally some alcohol mixes with a decent amount of oak.
Score: 10/12
Appearance - This one pours deep brown (almost black) with ruby highlights when the glass is tilted.  The off-white head is thin and dissipates quickly leaving a slick film.
Score: 3/3
Flavor - Huge alcohol.  Very big with an alcohol bite but it's not off-putting since it's part of the style.  There's a balance of apples, oak, maple, raisin, chocolate and caramel that make this one go down fairly smooth for being so big.
Score: 18/20
Mouthfeel - Medium+ carbonation with a medium body. Verging on creamy but not quite there.
Score: 4/5
Overall Impression - I could drink this for an hour but I could NOT drink more than one.  As it warms up, a lot more of the barrel character comes through with the apple, alcohol and oak.  It's very well done and I see why people were in a frenzy to get it.  While you won't see any out in the wild anymore, if you've got a buddy sitting on one, make sure you're invited when they pop it open.
Score: 9/10

 

Blake:

 

Aroma - Sweet granny smith apples, and strong barrel aromas are dominant here. The richer dark malt flavors aren't as present here as they are in the regular version. There is some toffee, chocolate, and caramel sweetness that hides behind it all. It almost reminds me of a candied apple you might pick up during the fall months. 
Score: 11/12
Appearance - Deep dark brown with a thin off-white head. The beer looks thick and viscous in the glass. 
Score: 3/3
Flavor - Apple, oak, vanilla, chocolate, and caramel all blend together beneath a sharp alcohol bite. The alcohol bite isn't unpleasant, and it has some noticeable brandy elements. You can tell it is strong, but it is still immensely drinkable. Do yourself a favor and let it warm a bit, and the chocolate and roast flavors become a bit more prominent.
Score: 18/20
Mouthfeel - Medium+ body and medium carbonation. Slick mouthfeel, but still feels a thinner than I'd like at this ABV.
Score: 4/5
Overall Impression - It's a shame that we drank this one in the waning moments of winter. This would be a perfect fall beer. I can imagine sitting around a bonfire sipping on one of these as the chill becomes a bit more noticeable in the air. Maybe I'll get lucky enough to come across another one in a trade. Or maybe it's one we'll see again from 4 Hands. Only time will tell.
Score: 9/10

 

AB Woodsman Final Score
  • Aroma
  • Appearance
  • Flavor
  • Mouthfeel
  • Overall
4.5
User Rating: 0.0 (1 votes)
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Justin Phelps

Justin Phelps

Co-Founder at Saint Brewis
Justin Phelps is a Certified Cicerone® who was born and raised in St. Louis. His passion for beer goes beyond just drinking it as he is also an award-winning home brewer. While he may be a marketing professional by day, he's a blogger, brewery hopper, and beer enthusiast by night.

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