There once was a beer from Nantucket...Cisco Brewers Island Reserve Lager to be exact. This is something a little different for me; it is an oak-aged Bohemian-Vienna style lager. I am used to big beers like Imperial Stouts, double IPAs and Barley Wines going through the oak aging process. This is a limited release clad in a 22-ounce bomber with a picture of some oak barrels on the label.

Appearance  

Pouring it chilled in my Strongbow tumbler. It is a nice sunset orange-yellow with an enormous bubbly white head even after a slow decant.

Smell

Big oak, orange peel, grass and a candied fruit sweetness. It is quite woody with a fresh cut oak quality.

Taste

Sharp oak notes with a crisp finish. Earthy hops poke their head through every now and then. The oak is nice and not overpowering but definitely assertive. It is very smooth and quaffable. 

Not bad at all. It is certainly for oak lovers. Look for a Cisco’s Island Reserve Tripel and Island Reserve Saison Framhouse Ale at select ABCs.

Adam Shugan, Beer Consultant - Archer Road, Gainesville.

Follow him on Twitter @abcbeeradams