Ep 121 - Barrel-Aged Brilliance: Exploring Humble Forager's Anniversary Collection

Four trees, four barrels, four breweries, and one remarkable drinking experience. When the Northwoods Beer Guy team discovered Humble Forager's Fifth Anniversary Barrel Aged Mix Pack, they knew they needed reinforcements to tackle these hefty 14% ABV offerings.Sitting on the deck under a perfect Northwoods sky, Mike, BK, and guest Kirk systematically work through these collaborative creations, each named after a different tree. What unfolds is a masterclass in how barrel aging transforms beer into something transcendent when done with precision and creativity.Cedar and Elm represent English Barleywines, a style the team quickly learns differs dramatically from American versions by emphasizing malt-forward sweetness rather than hop bitterness. The difference between these two beers proves stunning – Cedar delivers a nutty, peppery finish from its 33-month rest in bourbon and rye barrels, while Elm's conditioning on golden figs and Ecuadorian vanilla creates what Kirk describes as his favorite of the bunch.When they transition to the American Double Stouts, the descriptors become almost comical: "motor oil," "diesel," and "so dark it's almost blue." Ash combines maple syrup, vanilla, and an international trio of cinnamon varieties for a dessert-like experience, while Oak strips everything back to pure barrel-aged stout perfection with the classic bitterness stout lovers crave.Remarkably, these beers hide their 14% ABV behind layers of complexity. A spontaneous experiment with chilling the beers reveals even more nuance, with fig flavors becoming more pronounced at cooler temperatures. The team's ratings range from 3.3 to 4.3 on their five-point scale, with all four beers earning high praise.Beyond the tasting notes lies a deeper appreciation for what collaboration brings to craft beer – different perspectives, techniques, and ingredients creating something greater than any single brewery could achieve alone. Subscribe now to join the Northwoods Beer Guy for more explorations of extraordinary brews from the comfort of his deck.Send us Fan MailThank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram and Tik Tok.If you are on Untappd, look up NorthwoodsBeerGuy and send a friend request.Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can click on our RSS feed as well.