Bear Republic Old Scoutters Barleywine

On tap. Poured an amber color with a moderate beige head that receded to a ring. Aroma of caramel malt, some light fruitiness, and earthy hops. Flavor consists of pleasant caramel malts, with some nice spicy fruitiness (apple mainly) and a moderate, earthy hop finish what was slightly bitter. No real alcohol detectable. Full on the palate, nice moderately bitter finish. Pretty solid, good beer.

On tap @ Boulder Strong Ale Fest poured a clear copper with a minimal lingering ring of amber foam. Aromas of carmel, fruittiness and a hint of spice. Palate was light to medium bodied and crisp with a dry finish. Flavors of carmel and light fruittiness with a dry bittersweet finish.

Draught at 6th Boulder Strong Ale Festival. Pours clear amber with a small, fizzy, white head, diminishing with fair lacing. Aroma is average malt (hay, straw, grain, meal), heavy hops (flowers, perfume, grass), average yeast (sweat, barnyard) with notes of alcohol, apple, and pear. Medium bodied, creamy texture, average carbonation, and a bitter finish. Long duration, moderate sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.

Draft from Toronado Barley Wine Festival. Listed as a blend of the 1999 and 2007. Rich hoppy aroma, similar to the Racer 5. Heavier bodied, somewhat sweeter, alcohol hidden well.

Draft. Amber beer with a thin off-white head. Rich spicey, malty flavor with lots of caramelization. Caramel malt aroma with some earthiness. Hops present and backing, but don’t stand out. This just didn’t do it for me and I’m surprised to see so many high rankings. It’s just a lof of malty sweetness balanced with hops - there’s not a lot of complexity here and it gets tiring.