Here’s a Halloween-themed beer review to help get you in the mood for the spooky season: Rogue Ales Dead ‘N’ Dead, a barrel-aged version of Dead Guy Ale aged in Dead Guy Whiskey barrels. This one was actually the 2019 edition, sent to me ages ago by the brewery, and (full disclosure) I drank it over the summer. It’s a tasty beer and one worth cracking open this season as a treat to yourself.

This year’s edition is available in 750ml bottles, and Rogue says:

Our brewers and distillers teamed up to show off the best of both worlds by aging Dead Guy Ale in Dead Guy Whiskey barrels. Dead ʻNʼ Dead complements the flavor profile of our classic Dead Guy Ale with the oak, vanilla, and fruit notes from the whiskey barrels.

It’s not a huge beer for being barrel aged, only 7.9% ABV and 40 IBUs.

Appearance: Amber-to-brown colors with a bit of haze; orange-tinted at the edges when held to the light. Off-white/light tan head is creamy with good lacing.

Smell: Caramel, vanilla, wood notes with a touch of whiskey around the edges, quite appealing. Some nutty toastiness, rich malt syrup notes, brown sugar, oak.

Taste: Drier than regular Dead Guy, with a boozy, whiskey woody note that touches on some char, with some nuttiness. Getting that signature Rogue Pacman yeast character that’s pleasantly nostalgic (if you’ve been drinking Rogue for a long time). Some vanilla(ish) oakiness, warming without being hot.

Mouthfeel: Medium to medium-full body with a nice maltiness that gives structure, but ultimately finishes dry with a light whiskey lingering note.

Overall: I enjoyed this, it’s “big” without being too strong or heavy, with a nicely balanced oak/whiskey character with no hint of astringency, or anything “off” (which if you get an off barrel, you know what I mean).