Winter's Bourbon Cask ale

by Matt Dodson
(Huntsville, AL)

Affordable Mirth

Dare I say I actually found a beer that Anheuser Busch makes that I like (albeit a seasonal)?!

What was supposed to be a quick impromptu stop to the store for necessities turned out to be a fortuitous surprise. As always, the last stop before the checkout lane is the beer and wine aisle. It's always fun to see what new beers are on the shelf and to watch the local rednecks try to pick "them fancy beers".

On this particular day I noticed in the seasonal section a package I had not seen in previous years. Wrapped in a blue and white label with a snowman was the Winter's Bourbon Cask ale from Anheuser Busch. So I figure what the hell and pick up a sixer. I already had a six of another winter ale at home, but being that this was Busch-related I'd only be out a few dollars if it sucked.

Much to my surprise, Winter's Bourbon Cask ale actually came through on flavor. As I do with most dark ales, I only let the beer chill for a short time as to get all the flavors to "pop". And did it ever!

Strong hints of vanilla and subtle bourbon undertones complimented the imported mellow dark hops exceptionally well.

Now keep in mind that this is still a domestic mass-produced beer, so my expectations still remain way below the standards I hold to hand-crafted microbrews.

That night I made a smoked duck in a reduction with potatoes and asparagus, which to say was quite heavy on the palate. Cautiously I decided to pair the meal with Winter's Bourbon Cask ale and it was absolutely delightful (again, for a mass-produced winter ale).

This is definitely something I would buy again if I'm not feeling overly creative or ambitious at the store. It's a very well balanced beer with plenty of flavor. I'm still in shock that AB made this beer, for it brought forth merriment and affordable mirth as opposed to the predictable AB headache.