 kujo9 (1044), North Ridgeville, Ohio, USA
Feb 13, 2008
22 oz bottle 12/27/07: Deep coppery brown w/a thick, lasting , light beige head. Acetic green apple aroma was first to hit my nose, then a grainy, tannic malt aroma. Caramel and toasty malt follow as it warms along w/ a light alcohol solventy note. HInts of raisins and figs as well as diacetyl. The flavor is toasty w/ a gren apple flavor up front when chilled. Medium caramel, well balanced hop/malt bitter/sweet wise. Semi sweet up front w/ grainy malt flavors, and finishes well balanced when warmed. bready malt aftertaste w/ strong caramel mid palate into the finish. Caramel apple flavor in the finish when warmed as well. Velvety smooth m/f. Well hidden alcohol in the flavor, fuller medium body, and lighter medium
carbonation. Nice beer, but could use some age IMHO to mellow the green apple and acidic character. Warming helps, but just delays the inevitable. Goes well w/ sharp cheddar and oddly enough a mild blue like Cambozola.
Bockyhorsey (2033), Mesa, Arizona, USA
Oct 9, 2008 Bomber courtesy of eaglefan538. Big beer series must also stand for big alcohol nose. My cat took a wiff and winced and rolled her eyes back in her head and fell to floor. Good barley aroma and alcohol on the nose. Murky brown body with thin mustard colored head. Alcohol presence thought beer with a strong sweet caramel sugar flavor. Good sipping brew and it was time for a snooze after this one. Thanks Brian.
Brigadier (908), Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA
Oct 8, 2008 22 oz bottle
With almost a year on it I decided this last vestige of my trip to Bella Vino was due to be opened. I’m glad because I just found a stash of it at a local store for $1.99. I may just have to purchase another one; that’s a steal for a fairly solid beer from a brewer I have ignored over the years. I don’t know why either. This certainly was not slouch.
Aroma / Appearance - A one finger head rested above a stained brownish red body which released resin, wood stain, black cherry pits and vinous hints into the air. After a year I was not expecting such richness.
Flavor / Palate - While a little warm the mouthfeel is very balanced and creamy. Woody with only a tinge of bitterness the taste of chocolate covered raisins, rye bread and caramel formed a perfect partnership. This was well worth the $5.99 I paid.
hombrepalo (508), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Oct 3, 2008 Bomber! Pours red brown with a medium tan head. Aroma is a very strong sweet caramel, with some alcohol. Flavor is again the sweet caramel up front, medium to full-bodied. Dry finish! Alcohol a bit over the top. Nice but hot.
WeeHeavySD (1871), San Diego (Hillcrest), California, USA
Sep 28, 2008 Bomber that I’ve had in the cellar for I don’t know 2 years maybe. I was always intrigued by the name. But I’ve had much more from Arcadia now. Pours deep red with a tan head. Nose is sweet with dark sugars and some nice notes of vanilla. Taste is sweet with some bitter hops and some sweet malts. This is tasty, above average.
MAP (898), Lakewood, Ohio, USA
Sep 24, 2008 Oh yes, I do love barley wines, and this one smells lovely. Roll it around in the glass and it gives off some strong notes: cherry, fig, vanilla, wood, brown sugar ....smells almost like it was cask aged. Regardless, it looks damn good -a deep dark brown-red color, like there is some serious flavor waiting for you in there. Flavor is interesting, it alerts the mouth right away with a mixture of bitterness and alcohol, but not overly crisp. Then is smooths out into a chewy rich caramelized cherry and rich vanilla flavor, very rich, sweet and delicious!
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