Lost Abbey - The Angel's Share - Bourbon Barrel-Aged

Down in Kentucky and across the pond in Scotland, distillers who age their whiskeys for many years refer to the evaporation of the spirits from their barrels as “The Angel’s Share.” Each time a barrel is filled, a measure of liquid seeps into the oak and is lost for good.  This striking Strong Ale is brewed with copious amounts of Caramel malt to emphasize the vanilla and oak flavors found in freshly emptied bourbon or brandy barrels. The beer spends a year in oak before it is packaged for release. The beer is 12.5% ABV and is available in 375ml and 750ml bottles and on draft at inspired locations.

2010 ABV: 12.5%, 375 ml
2009 ABV: 11.5%, 375 ml
2008 ABV: 12.5%, gold lettering, 750ml and 375ml, with 2008 on label
2007 ABV: 11.5%, gold lettering, 750ml only
2006 ABV: 10.5%, black lettering, 750ml only

I had been searching for this brew for a while.  I found it in several location with prices ranging from $30 to $50 per bottle.  A lass I found it for $25 at the Iron Abbey.  I had heard so much about this brew that I was gearing up to be disappointed due that it may all be a bunch of hype. Well I was not displeased, though it is a strange beer. 

The ABV is 12.5 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - American Strong Ale

Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter or Mug
Delivery 375ml Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a chocolate brown color with a small head. Little lacing.
Aroma - Strong oaky and vanilla, very sherry like.
Taste -  Sweet, malty and vanilla. After it warmed up for 15 minutes or so, I got a sweet chocolate after taste. And actually it keeps changing throughout the session, I get bourbon some maple, caramel, toffee and molasses.
Mouth Feel - No carbonation but it was not flat.  Full body.
Drinkable - A strange tasting beer but in a good way.  It did take time to get use to.  Very close to a sherry,  I like it. 

This beer may pair well with cheese and deserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A
Ratebeer Rating = 100

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