Nemesis Be Thy Name

Founders has put out Nemesis, a new barrel aged wheat wine, right on the heels of releasing their annual Kentucky Breakfast Stout.  Big ass barrel aged beers the both of them.  Each year when KBS comes out there is a mad dash across the country to stock up.  The $18-$20 a four pack is not a hindrance, finding it is. This year was the first year that KBS was distributed in Missouri.  If you find some, grab some.  It is amazing.

As for the Nemesis, it is a new offering so there are high expectations.  It is a wheat wine, which is one of my favorite styles.  Plus Nemesis is barrel aged.  I've never had a barrel aged wheat wine, so it will be interesting to see what kind of spin that adds.

12 oz bottle poured into a Boulevard Smokestack tulip. Light froth of head recedes quickly and leaves a solid lace around the edge of the surface. A few chunks stick to the glass. Color is a dark golden amber. There are large chunks of sediment floating around. I should have decanted better.

Smell has a sweet woody aroma. The bourbon barrel aging is strong, which seems to be common for Founders beers. There are dark sweet sugars. Taste has a warm alcohol warmth and is a little unbalanced by that. Wheat tries to make a statement, but the bourbon is overwhelming. There's a little smokiness.

Mouthfeel has a great smooth character. Smooth carbonation that finishes with a bite. Overall, I think this is OK.  I think I would like to try the wheat wine that's not barrel aged.