Colonel Kernel is a bourbon barrel-aged barleywine-style ale with corn. Think of it as sticky caramel corn served out of a toasty bourbon barrel, but without the kernels to stick in your teeth. It’s best enjoyed while in uniform via a tulip or wine glass, unless you want an earful. Best stored and cellared around 55°F (13°C) in a dark place. Ideal serving temperature is 55°F (13°C).

==Introduction==

Released to the 2015 and 2016 Reserve and Hoarders Society members, this is a brew that was made using corn. I would definitely be a skeptic about corn and beer as corn is mainly an adjunct to commercial lagers like rice. However, this is the Bruery were talking about and if they can pull off an amazing corn based brew, then I want to see it!… and try it ofcourse. With that being said, it does bring up both the sense of concern but also a sense of intrigue. How will this one do? Let’s check it out. So here it is, Colonel Kernel. Cheers!

Aromas:
Caramel Popcorn, Toffee, Butterscotch, bananas, clove spice, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, , rye bread, maple, custard, corn bread, cane sugar, bananas, almonds, pecan pie, walnuts, crème brulee and capirotada raisin bread pudding.

Flavors:
Dulce de leche Caramel, Butterscotch, toffee, bourbon, oak, vanilla, cream corn, caramelized popcorn, maize, dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, almonds, pecan pie, walnuts, crème brulee, maize atole hints, capirotada raisin bread pudding, macadmia nuts, milk chocolate, oatmeal, cream of wheat, grilled bananas, clove spice, port wine, coconut hints, rocky road icecream, marshmallows, smores, hazelnut hints, rye bread, maple, custard, corn bread and cane sugar.

Aftertaste:
Finishing with caramelized popcorn notes, butterscotch, bourbon, rocky road ice cream, creamy maize atole hints, maple and dark fruits. Boozy alcohol in the taste. Dark Honey colored full body, creamy, velvety, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel and a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
An exceptional brew providing a variety of complex flavors. One thing to note about this one is that it is pretty boozy. While still giving off lots of caramelized corn and sweet flavors, time will definitely do wonders for this one. Hence the lower rating. Still though, it can easily be a supreme after sometime. It proves it on its own even with the alcohol burn. I would recommend getting it for. Try one now and one to cellar to see how it fares overtime.

Anime Corner:
Sheik/Zelda from The Legend of Zelda was used in this pairing mainly for the colors of the label which also happen to be some of the colors of the ingredients and flavors like the corn, maize and the dark fruits. Mainly as corn being an elusive ingredient in craft brews mainly since it’s an adjunct, when done right, it can be an amazing ingredient to use in brews. This elusiveness is something that Sheik is. Essentially, you never knew it was actually Princess Zelda the entire time helping Link out.