hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Angel's Share

United States·American Strong Ale
Tap to rate

Caramel malt in copious amounts brings out the vanilla and oak flavours of freshly emptied bourbon or brandy barrels in this striking strong ale, which spends a year in oak before release. The name borrows the distillers' term for the share of spirit that seeps into the wood and evaporates for good. 12.5% ABV.

ABV
12.5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
amber13
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
oakcaramelvanilla
oak
caramel
vanilla
malty
Aroma
The nose is immediately dominated by vanilla and oak notes that speak to the barrel aging—a warm, woody character without harshness.
not found:hoppy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Angel's Share

◎ Appearance

Angel's Share displays a deep amber to copper hue, reflecting its year-long residence in bourbon and brandy barrels. The clarity is bright, with a modest cream-colored head that settles into a thin lace clinging to the glass walls. Carbonation is restrained, befitting a contemplative strong ale designed for savoring.

deep amberbright claritymoderate head retention

◌ Aroma

The nose is immediately dominated by vanilla and oak notes that speak to the barrel aging—a warm, woody character without harshness. Beneath lies a rich caramel sweetness from the generous malt bill, with subtle undertones of dried stone fruit and a whiff of alcohol warmth that signals the 12.5% ABV without aggression.

oak-forwardvanilla sweetnesscaramel maltinessbourbon barrel

◐ Taste

Entry is full and silky, with prominent caramel malt providing a luscious foundation that coats the palate. Mid-palate develops layered oak and vanilla complexity, complemented by a measured bitterness (35 IBU) that never overwhelms but provides structural balance. The alcohol integrates smoothly, warming without burning, and the mouthfeel remains round and enveloping.

smooth palateoak and vanilla layersbalanced bitternessrich body

◑ Finish

The finish is long and warming, with lingering oak and vanilla character that slowly fades to a gentle, dry aftertaste. Alcohol heat emerges gradually, suggesting the strength without stridency, leaving a satisfying dry oak impression.

sustained oak finishwarming alcoholdry conclusion
85
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
88
Appearance
82
Finish
84
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.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Angel's Share

More from The Lost Abbey

20th Anniversary Duck Duck Kriek
A Beer With No Name
A Beer With No Name
American IPA
7.2%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Avant Gourde
Avant Gourde
Pumpkin Ale
6%·Mild
Find matches →
Bat out of Hell
Bat out of Hell
Imperial Stout
13.5%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Carnevale
Carnevale
Saison
8%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Coffee Brown Ale
Coffee Brown Ale
Brown Ale
5.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Deliverance
Deliverance
Imperial Stout
13.5%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Devil went down to Georgia
Devil went down to Georgia
American Strong Ale
12.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →

About American Strong Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American Strong Ale?

American Strong Ale 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 American Strong Ale

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

Compare with another beer →