Grizzly Paw Sour Barley Wine

Brewed by Grizzly Paw Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
Canmore, Canada

Serve in Snifter

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Found this by chance during my last visit. Apparently, this is a draft only soured version of their last batch of rum barrel aged barley wine from last fall/winter. Appears dark, murky deep red-brown with medium carbonation and just a yellowy-beige film for a head. Served in a snifter filled right to the brim, which is normally inappropriate, but this beer is just so moreish that I definitely didn’t mind in the end. The aroma is totally unique. It starts with a touch of sherry, sour cherry and caramel apples, leading into some vanilla and a bit of rummy spice. The flavour is equally complex, with a jammy sour cherry-fruit wine like base mixed with oak, treacle, buttery rum and a moderate bitterness not typically found in many sours. Vigorously carbonated mouthfeel with a vinous, dry finish. The rum barrel aging and bitterness found in the barley wine separates this from typical sours and will likely make this a love it or hate it brew for many. I found it an amazingly rewarding drinking experience that far surpassed anything that Grizzly Paw has previously produced. I would have cleaned out their store if this was offered in bottles.