I first had the Michelob Winter’s Bourbon Cask Ale on draft about four years ago at the Flying Saucer in my quest to get in the Ring of Honor. I remember trying it and being quite pleased with the selection, and even more surprised when I found out it was a Michelob beer. I don’t have much faith in my macro-brewing providers, but they show here that they are capable of creating a good beer with a distinct flavor.
The Winter’s Bourbon Cask Ale is a deep amber color and vanilla is very noticable in the aroma. It has a medium body and drinks quite smoothly, quite appropriate for cold winter nights. The flavor is malty with vanilla also coming through in abundance in the flavor. It’s almost like drinking a vanilla cream beer.
While a very good winter seasonal beer, it isn’t perfect. Being an appreciator of bourbon, especially Maker’s Mark, I figured my palate was equipped to pick up on any bourbon flavor from the casks. However, I can’t really detect any bourbon there. It’s probably in there, very subtly, but the vanilla flavor seems to dominate, at least on my tongue. Also, I couldn’t help but notice a subtle “this is still a Michelob beer” twang in the aftertaste. (If you sit really still when you drink it, you’ll know what I mean.)
Overall, I do think this is a worthy effort and a good demonstration that the big boys can make a tasty ale if they put their minds to it. So the lesson, as always, don’t discriminate based on the label. Give something a try, cause you never know what is on the inside.
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Good advice, I often discriminate based on who makes the beer myself. I need to let that go.
I’ve been drinking this for the past 3 years and I have to say it is not bad, not bad at all. And I like the part where you say at the end you can tell it is a Michelob brew, you sure as heck can. This year it appears that the Michelob logo is more prominent, the last two years it just had Anheuser/Busch written on the bottom.
Mind if I add you to my blog roll?
I remember that is what threw me off a few years ago. They didn’t even have the Michelob logo on it, so until I read the fine print I had no idea where it came from. I did notice the logo on the top of the label this year. I guess they aren’t embarrassed anymore.
And certainly, you can add me to your blog roll. Thanks!
I think I might have to add a “beards of brewers” photo gallery on my site, you’re always rockin’ some nice facial hair. With winter upon us in Minnesota, I will be expanding my goatee to a full on beard. I know there’s something about beer and beards…are you game?
I would be honored to be on the Bearded Brewing Beards of Brewers photo gallery. I actually have a facial hair gallery on Facebook that chronicles my facial hair journey. It’s been quite an adventure.
I’ve been fully bearded since a trip to Oregon last fall. I guess I was inspired by the mountains. Let me know if you want me to send you a few pics. I’ve got some good ones.
And yes, I think any brewer worth his salt has a beard. :)
I am just glad the deer head is still around…
I’d been curious to try this one, but, snobbily, had neglected to since it is a Michelob product. I’ll give a whirl soon I guess.