The store had a new foo-foo beer yesterday - Michelob Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale, so I brought a sixer home.

The blurb on the label said "An auburn colored brew with a smooth robust taste, full of rich aromas, hints of vanilla and flavorful hops". "Winter Ale aged on Bourbon Oak Casks and Whole Madagascar Vanilla Beans. 6.0% alcohol".

Well, it's the prettiest clear brown/red color I ever saw in a beer. I tried for years to get that beautiful color in a homebrewed beer by using all kinds of specialty grains, but I never quite achieved it.

Ya don't suppose AB would add a little red food color to a brew, do you? Nah.

That's it - the color's the best thing about it. I didn't notice any bourbon flavor, but there's a strong aftertaste of vanilla!
Yecch - if you want that, just pour some cream soda in your beer.

Dam' major breweries pretending to brew craft beers. I washed the taste out of my mouth with a Sam Adams Cream Stout, and went to bed.