Founders Backwoods Bastard

Backwoods Bastard is a barrel-aged Scotch ale from Founders in Michigan, brewed to 11.0% ABV with a listed 50 IBU. The distributor description points to bourbon and oak as the defining notes. That fits the style: a Scotch ale is built on a heavy malt base, and time in spirit barrels adds vanilla, toasted wood and a soft whiskey warmth on top. At 50 IBU the hop bitterness sits in the background, there to keep the malt sweetness from turning syrupy. Expect caramel, toffee and dark fruit from the grain bill, with the barrel character arriving mid-palate and carrying into a long, warming finish. Serve it warmer than most beer, around 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C). Straight from a cold fridge, the oak and bourbon tones stay muted and the sweetness feels heavy; ten to fifteen minutes on the counter lets the aromatics open up. A snifter or tulip glass is the right vessel, since the narrowed rim concentrates the barrel aromas, and a pour of 4 to 6 ounces suits a beer this strong. Pouring it into a full pint glass wastes much of that aroma. At this strength it works as a dessert-course or after-dinner beer, and it holds up to rich, sweet, smoky or salty food. Aged cheddar, smoked gouda and blue cheese all match the caramel malt and oak. Slow-cooked or smoked meats such as brisket and pulled pork suit the bourbon note, as do roasted nuts. On the sweet side, bread pudding, pecan pie or dark chocolate pair naturally. Styles like this often mellow and round out with a year or two of cellaring, though many drinkers prefer the pronounced barrel character of a fresh bottle.