Barley Days Wind & Sail Dark Ale

Brewed by Barley Days Brewery
Style: Brown Ale
Picton, Canada

Given that this beer (and the brewery) seems to have gone through a recent name change, I can maybe forgive the fact that it’s godawful. Still, I can’t help but point out that this smells and tastes like Willy Wonka’s vomit after a rough night on the town. That is, sour and somewhat chocolatey. The cheap, thin, headless pour is the first indication that something’s amiss, but the complete lack of hops, the thin malts, and the distinct stomach acid flavour didn’t help. Let’s see if they can get their act together!

Deep, mysterious brown body and zero foam. An interesting mix of aromas, from the expected chocolate malt and molasses to the unexpected peppermint and pine needle. Usually an Irish has a fairly thick mouthfeel, while Triple Chin seems quite thin and bends towards the refreshing end of the scale. Flavour is mostly bland, tasting like watered-down carbonated chocolate milk with an acidic sensation and red cherry fruit. Mediocre at best.

Dark, little head, fizzy detracting carbonation. SIgnfiicant roast and different malts, and lots of dark malt, yet not too sweet. No noticeable hops. Drinkable, passable,on the thin side, a glass is too much. I understand this brewery has got their infected batches under control now so rating trend will be up.chocolate malt story, with little hop. Light mouthfeel. (update 2008 August). Nothing special, but drinkable. Doug, the brewmaster, and the new owners have gotten he infection under control and they are running a reasonable operation.

Very deep red color with very little head. Chocolatey aroma with a nice deep roasted malt flavour but mouthfeel is a little tinny. Nice clean bitter finish. Quite nice. Cheers!

Bouteille de 650 ml achetée à la LCBO (Kingston, ONT). Arôme: Odeur de brin de scie (?) et de caramel. Apparence: La couleur est ambrée foncée avec une moyenne densité de bulle. Présence d’un moyen col mousseux beige et d’une large dentelle sur le verre. Saveur: Goût de caramel avec une pointe de chocolat noire légèrement acidulé. Durée moyenne de l’arrière goût. Palette: Le corps est moyen avec une texture minérale. Moyenne effervescence en bouche. Légère présence de chocolat noir en arrière goût. (Rating #776)

Dark reddish brown ale with a thin lacing off white head. To style in aroma, with nice butterscotch and caramel malt. In mouth, a decent caramel malt, with nutty notes, decent English hops, and buttery mouthfeel. A good renewal for this brewery. On tap at KBC, Sep. 30, 2006.

Shared with Mr Alain, amber in color with a sweet caramel taste . It has a small white head, the aroma of malt.

Bouteille de 650 ml, partagé avec LadySusan. Belle couleur terre cuite, un peu de collet. Arome légèrement caramelisé, un peu fruité. Goût de fruit sûr, mais pas trop.