Review: Burley Oak Rude Boy

Burley Oak Rude Boy

ABV: 8%

IBU: 31

Sampled at the Burley Oak Brewery in Berlin, Maryland on 7/14/12; also purchased a 64 oz growler. 

Served in Dogfish Head Signature Glass

Reviewed on 7/16/12

Description from the Burley Oak website: "This 9 malt red ale is filled with complexity, presenting layers of barley spliced into the malty backbone. The wine of beers." 

This red ale pours a deep reddish brown color with a thin ivory-colored head.  There's good carbonation present and mild lacing.  Aromas of malt, rye, some hops, yeast, bread, and slight alcohol on the nose.  The taste has deep maltiness with notes of rye and yeast, hints of red wine and whiskey, and a touch of caramel.  The mouthfeel is earthy and grainy yet still has a good smoothness to it.  Flavors are well balanced.  Has characteristics of a whiskey, and a good dryness comes through.

A solid, tasty red ale from small brewery Burley Oak, which is located in Berlin, Maryland, close to Ocean City, Maryland, and about two and a half hours from the Baltimore area.  This beer is brimming with malt and rye popping out right at the front, and it completes with a nice dryness.  My wife Kathy gave this one a try after Bryan Brushmiller, brewmaster of Burley Oak and a cordial tasting room host, indicated that wine lovers find this one to be to their tasting (as noted in the description--"the wine of beers").  She liked it quite a bit then and says it's her favorite beer.  Well done, Mr. Brushmiller! 

Score: 93