Review – Bourbon O.E. from Smog City

Time to barleywine, two ways with Smog City Brewing. Bourbon O.E.

For 2022, there is the OG O.E. aa well as a special variant that “was aged in Garrison Brothers Balmorhea Bourbon barrels and is absolutly oozing with bourbon characteristics. If you love bourbon, this variant is not to be missed.”

Bourbon Barrel – starting with the standard bearer. it has a subdued initial nose to it. the bourbon and wood is there but I also get a cherry note that is followed by a soft vanilla. There is no mistaking that this beer is nearly 14% abv but it is not heavy at all.

Balmorhea Barrel – this aroma tickled my nose literally and figuratively. Leather and vanilla are the leads and the first sip yields caramel as well. Oddly is a bit more fizzy and with much less of an alcohol burn to it.

Amazing how different these two beers are but I would nudge the Balmorhea ahead of the standard. The toned down alcohol brought the other flavors up a notch in my view.

Droppin’ Bottles in Torrance

On May 6th, Smog City brewing will be releasing not just 1. Not just 2 but 3 bottles in Torrance.

Beta Blend – 8.1% ABV – Our white wine barrel-aged sour blonde, first released at last year’s anniversary party on draft only- it’s finally ready for its first bottle release after a year of innovation and experimentation.

Ch’nooks and Crannies – 4.1% ABV – This beer was previously release as an extremely small batch, those lucky enough to snag a bottle got to enjoy the unique combination of cranberries and chinook hops in this delicious dry hopped sour blonde with cranberries.

Bourbon O.E. – 13.1% ABV – Our bourbon barrel-aged barleywine debuts its new label.

The sale starts at 12pm at the brewery taproom. There will be separate lines for bottles and for tap pours.