Brown Ale | Marshmallow fluff | Brown sugar | Light mixed nuts | Oak | Dab of vanilla | Clear beer barrel influence

Light rye spice | Caramel chew | Brown sugar | Vanilla cream | Light oak | Light milk chocolate

Rye spice | Oak | Faint mixed nuts | Lingering gentle spice

Founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2005, Goodwood Brewing Company produces a number of beers and barrel-aged whiskeys. In 2015, the company purchased a longtime staple in the Kentucky brewery scene with their acquisition of the Bluegrass Brewing Company. In 2022, the company introduced Goodwood Walnut Brown Ale Barrel Finish Bourbon to their finished whiskey lineup. Sourcing bourbon from Green River Distilling Co, Goodwood finishes the bourbon for an undisclosed amount of time in Goodwood Walnut Brown Ale barrels.

Right up front, the sip lets you in on the fact that it was finished in used beer barrels, as a strong brown ale scent greets you. Layering in additional sweet scents, the nose is pleasing with a very clear beer barrel influence that sets expectations on what’s to come. The midpoint layers in a light spice, along with prominent, pleasingly sweet flavors, before transitioning to an ending that focuses on more traditional bourbon notes.

Overall, this is a really good beer barrel finished bourbon. While the heavy beer influence tapers off after the nose, the pleasing sweet midpoint and grounded finish work well together. Add in the fact that this is reasonably priced at $45, and this is an easy pickup for anyone who appreciates bourbon finished in beer barrels.