Shmaltz He’Brew Funky Jewbelation

Shmaltz He’Brew Funky Jewbelation is an American Strong Ale. This is Barrel Aged Release #6, Batch 001/0999 cases, Bottled on 3/6/2012, enjoyed at 1 year of age. This was the first of a now annual release. This Strong Ale is a blend of 6 ales aged in 73% Rye Whisky Barrels and 27% Bourbon Barrels. The 6 beers are Jewbelation Fifteen (aged 3 months), “Vintage” Jewbelation (aged 9 months), Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. (aged 1 month), Origin (aged 14 months), Reunion Ale ’11 (aged 7 months) and Messiah (aged 14 months). Let me tell you, that is a lot of effort to create this (almost sickly) sweet malt bomb! I was shocked at my first sip at the lack of either bourbon or rye whisky flavor, there are some definite notes of vanilla but no “booze” flavor. Each sip seems to add another layer of flavor; cherries, strawberries, prunes, toffee, chocolate, molasses, soy sauce, lemon zest. Kind of all over the map in a strangely creative way. A hard beer to describe, and not loved by all, but I would say with confidence that it is interesting enough to try at least once. Just make sure you have three or four friends to help you do it! (trust me 4 ounces or so goes a looong way)