Clown Shoes The Peace That Money Can’t Buy

Clown Shoes The Peace That Money Can’t Buy is a Belgian style Quadrupel aged in bourbon barrels. This is serving as their 5th Anniversary Ale.

Appearance and aroma on this are sadly far from good. A murky dirty brown color and the aroma smells like a combination of mild dark fruits and plastic. The taste had nowhere to go but up, and it is really pretty nice overall. I’m tasting cherries, toffee, dark fruits, some vanilla and a little molasses. What seems to be missing is any evidence of the bourbon barrel. Maybe that vanilla note from the barrel itself, but I’m am getting only the slightest hint of bourbon barrel at all when it warms.

This is a hard one to deal with, being a fan of Clown Shoes and all. Looking past the appearance and aroma, this is a nice beer overall, I do think it tastes good. I have to say I am pretty disappointed too. That lack of barrel was very surprising, so much so I picked up a second bottle to have on a totally clean palate. Sadly I had pretty much the same experience.