Beer releases are usually not my thing. First tastes are usually expensive and not quite worth the hassle or expense. However, one thing that Saint Arnold has right is their releases. The last few beers I’ve purchased during the first (or second) day of release have been terrific beers. Saint Arnold Divine Reserve #13 was a brilliant Belgian Quad that was one of the best American versions of a Belgian Quad I’ve had in a while. Divine Reserve #15 is another wonderful Russian Imperial Stout that just jumps out with flavor and despite price, was almost perfect.
On Monday, Bishop’s Barrel #11 was released to general public and I had an opportunity to give it a shot a day later at Stuttgarden Tavern in Galveston. Code name: Gindeavour; this beer is their Endeavour double IPA aged in gin barrels. Upon first sip, I tasted a vanilla flavor that gave a very distinct and surprising sweet finish. Each subsequent sip demonstrated the very faint bourbon flavor that originated within the barrel’s first usage. The barrels were Smooth Ambler gin barrels that were used bourbon barrels in its original incarnation. As a result, you get a little bit of both flavors, which contribute to the unique gin characteristic that has a malty character throughout.
At 10.1% ABV, this beer is certainly rich enough to enjoy one and be done for the evening. The palette-pleasing flavor made it worth the cost. At $11.50 a bottle, it certainly wasn’t cheap, but I felt satisfied knowing that this limited release run was one I had a chance to try.