Bottle shared by Ross. Poured darker amber with an off-white head. Sweet aroma of caramel and fruits backed with a hint of hops. The flavor follows much the same with caramel and fruits. Light to medium body, smooth, and a slight bitter in the finish. Nice Barley Wine.

Bottle that someone on the west coast traded me several years ago. Sorry I forgot who! :( Not sure what year this was, I think 2004. Doesnt really matter though because I will never have it again.. Pours out a dark red color with a white head on it. Smell is fruity, with a little touch of hops left, some grassy flavors, not much else. Taste is smooth and rich, not oxidized at all (which after reading some previous reviews I figured it would be...). Easy to drink, another really good beer.

Bottle from Ross. Thanks man, this has been on my wants list for awhile. Pours an amber red with a thin head. I am not getting much of a nose on this, compared to the other barley wines we had at this tasting- just some fruity esters. Medium bodied, with a smooth texture. Flavor of caramel, raisin, and vanilla. Nice amount attenuation. Hops are subdued, but I don’t get any oxidation. Nice beer

Oxidationfest Tasting at illinsmittys curtesy of ross. ’04-’05 bottle. Dark red clear pour with kool-aid red highlights and a thin eggshell head. Very sweet aroma. flavor of figs and plums. very nice.

(22oz bottle) Pours a clear amber body with a small off-white head. Aroma of spruce, caramel, toasted bread, light floral, and a hint of burnt plastic. Flavor of sweet caramel malt, mild hops, and herbal characteristics with light bitterness in the finish.