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Charleville Brewing Company – (Pre-Release) Whiskey Scented Santa

Brewery Charleville Brewing Company
Location St. Louis, MO
Style Imperial Porter
 ABV 10.5%
 IBUs 26
Release Information Being released TODAY at their new brewery location in downtown STL. More details: http://saintbrewis.com/event/whiskey-scented-santa-6pack-release-party/

 

This Imperial Porter was aged with Whiskey Infused Oak Staves.

 

Come see the progress and preview our new STL brewery location and Join us for a special 6 pack release of the Whiskey Scented Santa, give-a-ways and appearance by Bad Santa if you were nice-or naughty this year!

 

Justin:

Aroma - It's got very, very big chocolate right off the bat. Then, right beside it you get sweet whiskey that doesn't sting your nostrils but warns you of the ABV to come. Once those aromas step aside, you get some caramel and vanilla which come from the faux barrel aging. There's also a brief spiciness that doesn't come from hops so it must be lingering from the whiskey.
Appearance - The beer pours a deep brown that only lets light through at its edges. The porter is topped with a brown head made up of tight bubbles that form a ring around the edges of the beer and a thin film across the top of its surface. As you take sips, the bubbles stick to the sides of your glass leaving tan lacing.
Flavor - The whiskey comes out big and brings some heat with it. There's a slightly vinous character created by the warming alcohol and dark fruit flavors of plum. The chocolate from the nose carries into the flavor and the malts that cause that taste also carry with them some very subtle roastiness. The whiskey soaked oak staves kick in towards the back of your tongue giving you the impression of sweet caramel. The finish is semi-dry and that whiskey hangs around long after you swallow.
Mouthfeel - The body is medium and the carbonation matches it. It's not heavy on your tongue but it's easy to drink and it definitely isn't thin. 
Overall Impression - THIS is how you welcome cold weather. The style of a porter isn't as hefty as a stout so the whiskey didn't have much to compete with and stood out nicely. While WSS had tons of boozy character, it never overwhelmed. It was cool when I opened it and it warmed over the 20-30 minutes I sipped on it. It got a little more caramel the warmer it got but no matter what, it was something I could have a few of without tiring out my palate. I mean, at 10.5% having a few may not be the best decision but if you're looking for a winter warmer, look no further.

 

Pre-Release (no rating)
  • Aroma
  • Appearance
  • Flavor
  • Mouthfeel
  • Overall

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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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