Phillips Brewing and Malting Co.- Twenty Point Buck

Overview

Phillips Brewing and Malting Co.- Twenty Point Buck Review

It is incredible to think that Phillips Brewing is turning twenty years old this year. Incredible that one of the original craft breweries in BC is that old but also incredible to think that 20 isn’t really that old. Still not old enough to drink in the States but somehow sometimes considered over the hill in terms of craft beer trendiness. In an effort to battle ageism in all its forms let’s take a look at this still oh-so-young brewery 20th Anniversary Ale.

Phillips always does something very interesting for their anniversary ales. This special year it’s perfectly appropriate that this year’s beer is a barrel-aged version of one of the many beers that have helped them thrive through the years. Indeed, it might be the beer many would most closely associate with Phillips, all the way back to the legally forced name change: Blue Buck.

Twenty Point Buck is light brown with a medium off-white head. It has medium carbonation. On the nose is big oakiness with vanilla and bourbon notes. This is lighter bodied than a usual Blue Buck, likely from time in the barrels. The expected caramel maltiness is there in the flavour with added notes of oak, vanilla, mild tannins, toast, and nuts. Those tannins combine with the light bitterness and a tiny bit of old-school west coast hops to counterbalance the sweetness. This tastes like it should be more than 5.5%. It finishes long and malty.

  • (4.5)
    Appearance
  • (4.5)
    Aroma
  • (4)
    Palate
  • (4)
    Flavour
  • (4)
    Overall Enjoyment
4.2

About This Beverage

  • Colour: Copper
  • Head Size & Retention: Normal head + retention
  • Carbonation: Well Carbonated
  • Clarity: Clear
  • Balance: More Malty
  • Drinkability: Goes Down Slower
  • Enjoyment: I would recommend this beer to a friend
  • Malt Characteristics: Biscuity/Bready, Caramel, Nutty, Toasty/Roasty
  • Hop Characteristics: Piney or Woody, Grass, Leaves or Hay
  • Palate: Crisp/Dry/Clean

Summary

Phillips Brewing’s 20th Anniversary Ale is a barrel aged Blue Buck. Not many 5% beers can stand up to oak barrels but the full bodied, malt forward Blue Buck seems to have had a very nice time.

Pros

A classic BC craft beer with the added dimensions brought on by the barrel aging.

Comes with a fancy glass.

Cons

Likely never to be seen again.

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