Brooklyn Monster Ale

On tap at the GLB. Pours a light brown, surprisingly light for a barleywine. The aroma is very wine-like, with a hint of fermented grapes, sweet malt, and hints of some citrus hops. Flavor is a lot more dark then the appearance. Sweet, malty, and again wine-like. It tastes like a barleywine, but my eyes still decieve me a bit on this one. There’s a hint of hop in the finish, but the supreme amounts of malt in this brew really dominate!

Enjoyed via 12 oz bottle (Vintage 2007). I have enjoyed this example several times over the past six months. Initially, the nose and palate were hoppy, almost too much so. Over time, the hop aroma, flavor, and bitterness have faded dramatically. The latest tasting was one of maltiness over hoppiness, almost to the extent of balance, albeit a full-flavored balance. Overall, a well-crafted American-style Barley Wine.

On tap at Redlight Redlight. Pours a very nice copper color with a thin white head and low carbonation. Strong aroma of caramel and figs with some hops and a little alcohol kick. The flavor is slightly more hoppy than the aroma would suggest. Thick, smooth and full of caramel.

2008 bottle. Small, off-white head that quickly disappears. Clear, copper body. The aroma is malty with notes of caramel, sugar cookie, molasses, grain and a hint of resin. Some light fruitiness along with alcohol. The flavor is heavily sweet and lightly bitter. It finishes moderately sweet and moderately bitter. Moderately acidic throughout. Strong malt grain taste and an abundance of hop bitterness. Medium to full body with a sticky texture and lively carbonation. Seems a little rough around the edges (husky malts).

2007-nose is huge of booze and some caramel malt. appearance is decievingly light for the potency. flavor shows how the aroma lied -- 1 year of aging served this brew well, very mellow and drinkable with no sign of booze at all. this is the silent killer!<P> 2008 (fresh) -- shows big wood in the nose, but still very hot (same dilemma as black chocolate stout)

12oz bottle. Hazy, greenish pour. Tight whitish head. very metallic, fruity. sharp, spicy taste and carbonation. big and flavorful, unique but not great. odd barleywine.

This was an excellent brew. Very strong, yet very smooth. Nice balance of hops and a touch of citrus.

Bottle pours a clear copper amber color with a medium tan head. Fairly subdued aroma of dried fruit, spices and sweet malt. The flavor is fairly mild as well when compared to most barley wines. Some nice dark cherry and toffee notes but not a lot of hop bitterness. Improves vastly as it warms!