Broad Ripple Ankle Biter Barleywine

Draft sample. Not one of my favorite beer styles. It poured a small sized ivory head with fine-small sized bubbles that mostly diminished. The body was transparent and uncarbonated with an orange hue. The nose was hoppy and sweet. The flavor was bitter and hoppy with a fairly smooth mouthfeel. The texture was watery and thin. This beer's lacing was good.

This draft sample poured a medium sized head of fine to medium sized off-white colored mostly lasting bubbles that left behind a good lace. The body was transparent, uncarbonated and orange brown colored. The aroma was mild with floral and malty notes and the mouth feel was smooth initially and finished with a mild metallic aftertaste. The flavor was malty and way too mild on the hops for a traditional barley Wine. It was an easily drinkable barley wine without much barely wine character.

2003 (3.8) - From a sampler: This is the first year's batch named in celebration of the birth of one of the brewer's sons. The beer is a dark amber color with a thick and foamy light beige head and minimal lacing. The aroma is smokey with caramel and malt in the background. Rich and sweet with caramel, malt and toffee flavors. The finish is strong and sweet with alcohol coming through on the back end. This seemed a little unbalanced despite being aged for a year, but still a solid beer.
2004 - From a sampler: This is the 2nd beer so named for the birth of one of the brewer's sons. This year's batch is the same dark amber color but with virtually no head where last year's was very thick. No lacing either. The aroma is heady and sweet with malt and caramel. The body is rich and smooth, with a well-balanced blend of malt, caramel, chocolate and toffee flavors. The finish is rich and sweet with a touch of hops. This batch is a little better than the 2003 version in my opinion.