Specialty Wood-Aged Beer

The Specialty Wood-Aged Beer style is a unique and diverse category that showcases beers aged in wooden barrels or casks, which have previously been used to store alcoholic beverages like whiskey, bourbon, rum, gin, tequila, port, sherry, Madeira, or wine. This aging process imparts an additional alcohol character to the beer, derived from the previous contents of the wood. The style is characterized by a harmonious blend of the base beer with the complex flavors and aromas contributed by the wood and the residual alcohol. The result is a beer that is often smoother, more flavorful, and well-balanced compared to its unaged counterpart.

The appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel of these beers can vary significantly, depending on the base style and the type of wood and alcohol previously housed in the barrel. Commonly, these beers may appear darker, especially if charred barrels are used. The aroma and flavor profiles are enhanced by the wood, often bringing forward notes of vanilla, caramel, toffee, toast, cocoa, or specific characteristics of the alcohol previously stored in the barrel. The mouthfeel may be influenced by tannins from the wood, contributing to a fuller body and a more pronounced alcohol warmth.