So, Southern Tier has an oak aged double IPA called Southern Tier 2X OAK’D Double India Pale Ale. That’s all fine and dandy, but don’t they already have an oak aged imperial IPA? They do; Oak Aged Unearthly IPA. I haven’t seen that beer in years, though, although they still do make the Unearthly IPA as a year-round offering. But, Taco Mac had the 2X OAK’D on tap, so I ordered up a glass.

They are, to be sure, different beers. Southern Tier says of the 2X OAK’D:

We took an 8.2% ABV, 65 IBU Double IPA & introduced maple syrup locally sourced near our brewery in Western New York & moderately toasted French oak chips. Roasted malts bring a deep amber hue that’s matched by drums of maple syrup, which are added to help boost fermentation & provide a clean, earthy component with a slight residual sweetness. Cascade, Centennial & Chinook hops coalesce to create a spicy, floral, citrus & piney aroma. Finally, the beer is aged on oak chips to round out its mouthfeel & provide amazing balance to each sip.

Both the Oak Aged Unearthly IPA and 2X OAK’D are double/imperial IPAs, but the latter is more moderate than the former, which was 11% ABV strong. To whatever degree, that is, one can call 8.2% moderate. Oak Aged Unearthly does not have maple syrup, either. Interestingly, Taco Mad had this listed as 2X Maple.

I paid $6 for an 11-ounce glass of Southern Tier 2XOAK’D at Taco Mac. It runs $10.99 a six-pack in stores here.

My glass of Southern Tier 2XOAK’D Double India Pale Ale arrived a deep reddish amber hue with almost no head and earthy hop and huge woody notes in the nose. Cedar and hoppy pine intermingle with caramel malt in the palate, then the huge oaky wood emerges into the dry finish with alcohol warmth. Very woody, but not boozy, if you get my drift. Like, driftwood. Ha.

Now if I could jutht get thethe thplinterth out of my tongue....

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