Great Divide Old Ruffian

Poured from a 22oz bomber into a snifter. This barley wine poured a dark, hazy, reddish amber color with a big, foamy beige head that lasted. Some heavy, sticky lacing was left around the glass. The aroma of this brew was made up of carmael, toffee, citrus hops, and also a bit of pine. The flavor included a huge, upfront hoppiness that was followed up by a strong caramel malt presence. Notes of bitter grapefruit and pine were left lingering on the tounge. The mouthfeel was thick and full-bodied with a slight resiny feel. The carbonation was minimal. Overall, this was a good barley wine. Not the best of the best, but definately worth a try.

Bomber...I know this is good but I’m just not liking the west coast barleywines. This tasted a lot like Old Crustacean by Rogue, and I was not crazy about that either. Big-time hops here, with a mean aftertaste, almost sour. The bitterness is unending. Dark red and cloudy in appearance, thin to no head. This is only for the hardcore, I think.

90 IBUS. Never had barley wine before and was confused by the hops. Very similar to a double IPA. Very intense with a great balance between the malt and the hops. Long finish....

Thanks Ramenen. Bottle: Baley or Imperial IPA? Grassy and herbal, lots of hops to get those 90 IBUs.

HOLE - E - SHIT. Incredibly hoppy barley wine balanced by the huge malty sweetness. Got this one confused with Hercules for a second when I had the tasters in front of my, but the sweet wine flavor lets you know, it’s Old Ruffian. Pours an orango color with a white head and has a wonderful nose of fruit and hops. My favorite barley wine.

Nicely done. Beautiful dark amber color with a thick off-white head. Pours heavy. Sweet aroma..buttery caramel, molasses, vanilla, and slow roasted, sugary fruit. Looks a little too clear..needs less filtering. Young hops blast upfront, candied grapefruit, citrusy that mellows slowly into a sweet molasses cookie goodness. Let this one rest for a year or so.

Bottle. Started out with a cloudy orange pour and a thick white head. The head dissipated quickly but left strands of brussels lace clinging to the side of the glass. When I held it to my nose I smelled caramel, hops, sugar, and cotton candy. The first taste was thick caramel and subdued hops in the background. A very thick beer that stayed on the tastebuds long after it was swallowed.

650 ml bottle mail ordered from liquidsolutions. Hazy brown with a foamy tan head. Aroma of fruit, caramel, sugar, and alcohol. Bright tangy somewhat creamy palate. Initiallly sweet caramel, citrus, and pine taste transitioning to a good bitter bite in the finish. The commercial description is pretty much right on, but they don’t emphasize enough that this beer is exceptionally well balanced. This is in the top tier of barley wines.