Following tradition, The Bruery recently released their fourth anniversary beer. The name Fruet is a mash-up of sorts stemming from traditional 4th anniversary gifts flowers/fruit. Using the word fruit (same in French) and the clever insertion of the “Rue” last name, we get Fruet. Unlike previous years, Fruet marks the first of the series in which all bottles released were 100% Bourbon Barrel aged.

My girlfriend and I recently traveled to Maryland for vacation, and what has become somewhat of a tradition, headed up one day to Delaware to visit my friend Matt. Served into a snifter glass, Fruet has a rustic medium to dark brown colored body with very minimal tan head. Thick bubbles formed around the edges and seemed to last, but the lacing was virtually non-existent. Aromas of burnt sugar, toasted caramel, sweet and sticky bourbon, chocolate and caramel malts lifted from the glass. Hints of the wood/oak barrels stick out on the back for what is truly a wonderful smelling beer.

The initial taste has a big wash of sweet bourbon and candied caramel up-front. Middle of the palate brings waves of oak, vanilla and molasses. It’s warming and somewhat sweet but the barrel aging here did this beer wonders, very well blended. Its body has lower carbonation though just enough for the style of beer that it is. It’s very smooth and rich, while a bit sticky in the finish.

It could be that this is 100% Bourbon Barrel aged, but I enjoyed this one much more than I did any previous years. This is ready to drink now without much heat or overt sweetness at all. I can’t wait to see how this does in the cellar.

Rating

95
out of 100