It’s a cold and dreary Friday night and I’m Coronavirused inside. So naturally, I chilled down a Rare Beer Club beer – The Bruery Saule – for a nightcap.

The Southern California Brewery, The Bruery, is an amazing establishment, producing outstanding ales, especially their Bruery Terreux line. So, when I saw this Old Ale, I was eager to give it a try. I poured myself a healthy pour, not realizing the high ABV.

My first taste of this 9-year anniversary ale of The Bruery was nothing but burn. So…I quickly reread the label – 16% ABV – ouch! My second, more cautious sip, was an overwhelming taste and smell of bourbon. The third sip gave me an inkling of the sweet caramel, vanilla, oak, licorice, brown sugar and toffee flavors. It’s a shame this complex beer was bourboned to death.

Apparently, the traditional ninth anniversary gift is willow, which in French is ‘Saule’. I’ve recapped this anniversary beer to enjoy with a peppery steak or a vanilla dessert in the next few days. Bon appetite!

Cheers!

Warren