Hello everyone.  I hope all is well.  For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the “Oak Aged” Un*earthly produced by the Southern Tier Brewing Company located in Lakewood, New York.

I’ve had the regular Un*earthly a few times, however I’ve never had the “Oak Aged” version.  I’m really excited about giving it a go.

From the website, southerntierbrewing.com, we find this description of the beer.

To underestimate Oak Aged Unearthly is to trifle with the mysteries of the universe.  Here, we take our unparalleled Unearthly IPA and age it with oak for a harmonious fusion of rich malts, grassy hops, and savory oak.  An unearthly union, indeed.

Particularly tasty when paired with sharp bleu cheese, fresh-baked sourdough bread, curry, very sweet & rich desserts.

Let’s do this.

This brew has an ABV of 9.9% and it comes in a 22 oz. bomber.

It poured a cloudy, deep orange to caramel color.  The head was off white and voluptuous.  Very creamy, smooth and rocky.  The retention time was excellent and the lacing was thick and clingy.  I must say that it looked really, really nice standing in the tulip glass.

The aroma was very sweet.  Heavy caramel notes along with a plethora of orange citrus.  I definitely got some of that oak and wood, which in turn, presented a light dose of vanilla.  It was quit resinous, piny and floral.  As the brew warmed a touch, a hint of Bourbon and more wood became noticeable.  This beer has an aroma very similar to an American Barleywine.  Overall, a very “big” and robust nose….. and I like it!!!

The taste brought forth a touch more of that Bourbon/wood flavoring than was found in the bouquet.  Again, strong, sweet caramel malt and bitter resinous hops of pine and orange citrus.  The vanilla was more of a player in the taste as well.  Just a smidgen of breadiness was found through the middle, but the primary characteristics were the hops and the alcohol.  Once more, very nice and tasty.

The mouthfeel was medium to full bodied.  Very smooth, dry, sticky, slick, thick, chewy and filling.  The carbonation was of medium strength.  A bit of warmth was felt at the back end and a healthy shot of flavor was left behind on the palate after each sip.

I tell ya.  We have a real nice beer here.  It’s got a lot going on that’s for sure.  Very complex, but harmonized extremely well.  The drinkability was fairly good and it more than holds up in all of the other major categories.  Let’s face it.  Southern Tier just knows how to make good stuff.  I would recommend picking it up if you can.  I do like the Oak Aged version a wee bit better than the standard Un*earthly, but both are solid and worthwhile beers that wouldn’t disappoint no matter which you chose.  Which do you guys like the best?  Be sure to leave a comment and let me know.

Thanks for reading everyone.  I really appreciate it.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  4.2 out of 5
Grade:  A-