Overall very good. Great on a hot day but doesn’t lack flavor. Excellent hop aroma and some bite. Good carbonation level. A bit darker than most pale ales, almost red. Unique, but very good.

This is one of my favorite pale ales. Nice brown color, smaller white head. Full nose of citrus hop goodness. Tart grapefruit flavor with a moderate amount of sweet malt to balance. Great pale ale.

Brown with a small head. Almost no aroma. Mild hop flavor. Slightly bitter finish. Very drinkable.

<b>11/21/2003 Cask:</b> This version of Barley&#39;s Pale is dark copper with a very thin light beige head. Very thin lacing as well. The aroma is heady hops with a faint floral aspect lingering as well. Velvety smooth mouthfeel and seemingly low carbonation with a nice hops flavor throughout, along with a nice malt backbone. The finish is a little slick with a lasting hops bite. I like the regular version of this just a little better. <b>2/10/2002 - Draught:</b> This Columbus classic is a nice rich copper color with a medium light beige head. Thin and slow lacing. Nice hoppy aroma along with a little malt and caramel. The flavor is rich hops throughout, with a bitter hops and fruit aftertaste. A good match with Barley&#39;s food. The only drawback is that I could not recommend this over the Columbus Pale Ale as far as locals go.

Actually, I headed out to the Smokehouse with the intent of trying the “Hobgoblin” for my first “Firkin Friday” experience. However, much to my regret, the bartender informed me that I was about 2 hours 2 late. Gahh!! No one told me. So I made the best of it, and tried some of this from the cask. The first thing I noticed as the brew was brought to me, was the amazing cascade. The tall frothy beige head is fully lasting. The brew is a cloudy dark honey amber. The nose is open, fresh and clean. Though softer than I would expect from the style, notes of pine and spruce are present. The warmth accompanies a wonderful balance. The finish though tame, does present some complexity. The medium to full body is creamy and soft. The finish feels slightly astringent. Would make quite the session offering.<br />Earlier Rating: 11/30/2003 Total Score: 4.2<br />Pours a dark copper with ruby highlights. The large frothy off white head is mostly lasting with fair lacing. The nose is perfume, pine and citrus with some slight clove tones. The flavor is dominated with a moderate citrus acidity and the finish is long and bitter. The medium creamy body is lively and finishes clean. Good solid session brew. Goes great with the Turkey Gumbo at the Smokehouse.