Rating: 5.96/5

Smooth Criminal by The Bruery is a 15% ABV English Barley Wine and Saison Blend aged in bourbon barrels

Label:
ANNI ARE YOU OKAY?
Ever accidentally blend two brews, curse a bit, and then smile when tasting the excellent result? Us too. Rich malt, hops and wood come together harmoniously in this unique ale.

Smooth Criminal is the splendid result of moving a bit too quickly in the brewhouse. An accidental addition of Saison De Lente to a fermenter full of our Anniversary ale led us to ask, “Anni, are you okay?” She was. Best enjoyed fresh , but may pleasantly evolve over time if cellared properly.
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I have yet to try Saison Lente but this beer blended with Bois is probably very epic. Bois is already a beer that I highly enjoy but the addition of another blend may make or break a flavor enhancement. So far, the Bois Fume was freaking epic, let us see what Saison Lent did to “ANNI”versary ale. 

Aromas:
Bananas, peaches, apricots, apple butter, vanilla, oak, bourbon, dulce de leche caramel, coconut, milk chocolate, pecan pie, hazelnuts, dark fruits like raisins, plums, cherries, figs, dates, grapes,apples, rum, Flan, brown sugar, peaches and cream, crème brulee, toffee and marshmallow smores.

Flavors:
Bananas, dulce de leche caramel, peaches, herbal spices, floral hops, peppercorns, toffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, rum, apples, apricots, dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, prunes, cherries, pecan and hazelnut pie, walnuts, raisin bread pudding, marshmallows smores, rye bread with orange marmalade spread, flan, crème brulee, dark and milk chocolate, white chocolate, wine grapes, maple syrup, burnt sugars, candy sugar, brown sugar, and butterscotch, flowers and coriander.

Aftertaste:
Peach, grape, rye, caramel, bourbon, vanilla, pecan pie, earthy and floral notes and citrus linger. The alcohol is presently mild but does not detract from the delicious flavors. This is mildly smooth. 

Overall:
Something about adding other beers to Bois take the beer to another spectrum of flavors. The Bois Fume was very delicious and now this one freaking awesome. I think I enjoyed Bois Fume more but this one is freaking delicious. If you enjoy both beers I am sure the hoppy, floral and citrus addition eill have you liking this one. A play at ANNI or Anni-versary is a well played criminal. A thief in the night exposing new flavors to the palate.

Anime Corner:
Vocaloid, Haku Yowane, was chosen for this pairing to represent the aspect of “Michael Jackson” and Smooth Criminal. Haku for the aspect of the beer and MJ, co-inside with themes of music since she is a musician but her name means utter bad thoughts. A pun to, “Who’s Bad?” In terms of the label, I did not get the colors right but the flavors of the beer such as the dark fruit, cherry and plums are there in in her clothing colors and evil eyes. Her white hair represents the addition of the Saison Lente (A white blond beer) that was added to Anniversary (Evil thoughts of Haku influencing the pure beer) and then creating this, Smooth Criminal. I’m just glad I found a great picture to pair with this beer and tribute to MJ’s “Smooth Criminal”.