So, if you know me, you know I love it when breweries try new stuff. And if you know about the craftbeer “scene”, you know oak-aging beers is kind of a big deal. Amsterdam has a mountain of oak casks with a variety of their beers in them. I’ve heard more than a few brewers sound like they were trying to score an O, ducked quietly in a corner, hand over their cellphone, hoping nobody realizes they have a line on wood. And if you follow along here, you will remember that Cameron’s in Oakville, has been doing some oak-aging as well. Their American Whiskey Barrel was a heck of a first commercial offering. And now they’ve released their popular Deviator Doppelbock, aged in bourbon barrels. Feel free to peruse the Deviator post if you would like more info on doppelbocks, and why I think more breweries should be producing them. Go ahead and right-click (or ctrl-click if you’re wealthier than me) that link and choose “open in a new tab”, so this one will still be there when you’re done. Just learn a new trick? This article is now a two-for-one! Lesson first, review now!
Deviator Doppelbock Bourbon Barrel Aged — Cameron’s Brewing Co.
From a 341ml bottle Deviator Doppelbock pours a very dark brown, nearly black. A rigorous pour only brought about a fuzzy layer of head that dropped fairly quickly, but there is a visible active carbonation creeping stealthily up the sides of the glass. Aroma is huge, clearly bourbon notes, vanilla and oak but with no significant alcohol heat. Malts are caramelly and dark, with molasses and a touch of coffee. Smokey, I assume from both the oak and the malts, but not like a smoked beer, just gently there floating around like a haze in a hookah lounge. There are also dark dried fruit notes, hinting at raisins and dates. Just a massive assault of awesome in my nostrils. Taste is surprisingly a bit different. The immediate impression is of a sweet jammy doppelbock. Roasty malts that are sweet and a little smoky. Dark dried fruits that are tending more towards dried dark cherries. But then there is a rush of sweet mellow vanilla with a touch of oak. The bourbon is fragrant, but very much in the background. It sort of reminds me of my grade 8 shop teacher, but with way more class. And less breath mint. Which is to say none. The lingering finish is oaky and dry, perhaps a touch of earthy hops to help cut off some of the drawn-out sweetness from the big malts. As the beer warms, everything become more pronounced, but especially the vanilla, which becomes an enticing perfume pouring from the glass. Just a magnificent beer, clean and complicated. Great as an after-dinner brew, or while sitting around a campfire.
About the Brewery
Located 20 minutes from downtown Toronto in Oakville Ontario, Cameron’s Brewing Company is a creative and crafty group dedicated to brewing exceptional beers.
By adhering to traditional brewing practices, using all-natural ingredients, and most importantly, demonstrating a passion for our craft, you can think of us as ‘beer artisans’.
Cameron’s can be found at Beer Store’s and LCBO’s and can be enjoyed at fine bars, restaurants and fridges throughout Ontario.
Cameron’s. Brewed by a connoisseur…not an accountant.
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