4.6 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 10/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 19/20
(2003 version -- according to Jim, the brewer, the hops change every year)
Complex enveloping aroma, with many competing scents but definate sweet tones. A whole field of malt and hops just in the scent, and they don't let up when you start drinking it. This year's brew was 10.5% ABV, but the alcohol didn't show through (until I tried to walk afterwards). The flavor is strong enough it attacks your mouth, hitting the front, back, and sides all at once. A burst of flavor that stays with you for awhile. Like many barleywines, I find it hard to describe the intense flavor except to say that it's, well, intense. An excellent brew from DuClaw!
3.8 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 16/20
Unfair comparison. I shared a bottle of this with myself tonight and two nights ago. I really liked it the first time and noted the neutral qualities: not too hoppy and bitter, not too sweet, no off-putting off-tastes. I thought it was a nice barleywine that walked a line between the flavor profiles of all barleywines I’ve had. Unfortunately last night I had some Old Numbskull and now it comes off as quite drinkable but nothing special.
3.8 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 16/20
Draft at Fell’s Point. Poured brown color with a slight head and nice lacing. It is bitter and hoppy with a sweet malt flavor, floral notes, and good carbonation. The alcohol content, although very high, is well-masked. Well done.
4.4 AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 5/5 OVERALL 17/20
Draft at DuClaw. Pours a dark amber color with a nice head. Aroma is fruity, with hops and malt there as well. Flavor is bitter however has some sweet notes as well. Finishes fruity with a hint of alcohol. very good.
3.5 AROMA 5/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 5/10 PALATE 5/5 OVERALL 15/20
I had this beer a while back and from what I can remember I enjoyed it. I’ve had this at the pub/brewery so it was fresh.
Nothing special about it is popping into my head at the moment.
3.7 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 16/20
2012.02.22 - On tap at Always Ron’s. Light to medium copper color. Very sticky head which stays wherever it has touched. Taste is pretty good, seems like a quite hoppy flavor yet smooth and controlled, not overbearing.
3.9 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20
2005 version at the Arundel Mills brewpub. Cloudy amber with a foamy off white head. Sweet fruity aroma with some spruce and citrus. Wow! One sip and you know you are on to something special. Expecting to be overwhelmed by the alcohol but was somewhat surpised by sweet caramel, candy like flavor. Not a big barleywine fan but damn, this is good. Excellent beer.
3.1 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 5/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 13/20
Tap from Du Claw in Bel Air. Pours a dark amber orange with a minimal tan head. Aromas were of cognac, fig, and caramel. Medium to Full-bodied.
3.9 AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
Setting: Served in a sample cup at the Michael Jackson Beer Tasting held at RFD’s. 2002 vintage.
Appearance: Orange-brown liquid topped by a small light tan head that receded to a film and a ring right quick. Lil’ bits o’ foam were left on the cup.
Aroma: Prominent aromas of orange marmalade with strong peppery and floral hops wafting about. Slightly brash alcohol taste.
Flavor: Sweet caramel malts that get pimp slapped by the Simcoe hops, much to its detriment (IMHO).
Palate: Thick and chewy with aftertastes on steroids.
Overall: Not very smooth or contemplative. Very raw for an aged barleywine. This is a rude American interpretation.
4.4 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 18/20
(2003) A deep burgundy beer with a small head, this is one charming demon. Smooth and sweet with a moderately dry aftertaste. Fully engrossing without being overwhelming. Go on, dance with the devil!
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