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Rum V.S.O.J.

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Rum V.S.O.J. is an extended-aged barleywine at 13.5% ABV, aged in Cruzan rum casks that had held only one liquid before. Caramel, coconut and vanilla come through from the barrels and from fire-toasted American oak added to dry out the mix of malty barleywine and sweet rum. Because the barrels are used once for a single year, they offer about three times the oak of a young bourbon barrel.

ABV
13.5%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
amber14
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
oakvanillacaramel
oak
vanilla
caramel
malty
toasty
dark fruit
Aroma
Dominant oak and vanilla aromas rise from the nose, layered with rich caramel and toasted grain notes from the fire-toasted American oak and extended barrel aging.
not found:hoppy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Rum V.S.O.J.

◎ Appearance

Deep amber to light copper in color, with excellent clarity and a resilient tan head that leaves persistent lacing down the glass. The beer presents a viscous, oily appearance characteristic of high-alcohol barleywines, with legs that cling to the sides as it warms.

deep amberclearpersistent headviscous

◌ Aroma

Dominant oak and vanilla aromas rise from the nose, layered with rich caramel and toasted grain notes from the fire-toasted American oak and extended barrel aging. Beneath these, dark stone fruit and warming alcohol notes emerge, creating a complex, dessert-like bouquet that evolves as the beer opens.

oak-forwardvanilla, carameltoasted graindark fruit

◐ Taste

The palate opens with concentrated malt sweetness and caramel that builds through the mid-palate, where vanilla and oak spice become prominent. Moderate hop bitterness (50 IBU) provides balance without dominating, while the 13.5% ABV adds a warming, boozy character that amplifies the rich mouthfeel throughout.

malty-sweetvanilla oak spicemoderate bitternesswarming alcohol

◑ Finish

The finish is long and warming, with lingering oak tannins and caramel sweetness that fade gradually into a dry, toasty aftertaste. Alcohol heat persists gently, reinforcing the full-bodied character.

long finishwarmingtoasty fade
85
hopIQ score
Aroma
88
Taste
85
Appearance
84
Finish
82
Serve at 12–16°C

Serve at 12–16°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Excellent cellar candidate — can age 3–10 years, developing dried fruit, toffee and sherry notes.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Rum V.S.O.J.

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About Barleywine

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Barleywine?

Barleywine is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Barleywine

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same oak, vanilla, caramel character as Rum V.S.O.J. will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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