J.W. Lees Harvest Ale (Lagavulin)

Brewed by J.W. Lees
Style: Barley Wine
Middleton Junction, England

Wow. I popped the top on this beauty and got a whiff that made me think more of Scotland than Manchester. Peat, heather, and whiskey. The palate...ah, the palate. A soft, sweet whiskey smoothness mingling with smoky hard wood flavors, with toffee malts and an inspired alcohol warmth coming in at the finish. Don’t pass this by when you see it on the shelf!

A Mes rate: Bottle during Maria’s Ton Up Tasting.
2006 bottle and I must say a big thanks to Casper for allowing us the opportunity to try these three variations side by side. This was by far the best of the lot. The first three words in my notes are "Jesus!". The beautiful sweetness of the regular Harvest Ale is offset wonderfully by the big peaty whiskey. Damn. I don’t really need to embellish these notes too much. Suffice to say this is one of my favourite beers... with KNOBS on. The whiskey works so well and it is not even close to being overdone. Such finesse is such a big burley beer! I couldn’t drink much of this but as something to share with good friends it’s close to unbeatable. Thanks Casper!

206 bottle from ethereal shared with mes and tashi as well. I dont like whisky. I didnt want to smell it, drink it, or go anywhere near it. But hey, it smells like lagavulin and tastes of lagavulin and for me it actually a lot better than the actual stuff. just covered in sugar.a bit like eating haggis in maple syrup.

2006 bottle from City Beer in San Francisco, shared with Mes, renffisch and tashi. Ok, this is amazing. The best aspects of Harvest Ale and Lagavulin, combined. If you see this on a shelf, don’t, don’t pass it by!

Hazy red chestnut body with a creamy beige head; Very nice deep and interesting nose, lots of well hidden nuances that makes a quite masculine nose, all elements are well balanced and the lagavulin barrel is very well fitting; Incredible mouth full alive super present perfectly balanced full soft texture all elements are playing together and are present at different stages, the salty touch is perfect, fitted with a big bubbled soft carbonation; It smoothen out perfectly with a slightly smoke barrel soft tar burnt aroma, lasting and a great alcohol bite. Amazing present mature superbly composed and very man-like. A REAL BEER!!!

2004 Bottle. Muddy brown-orange pour with no head. Aroma is woody, smoked peat, beef jerky, figs, and sweet malt. The palate is full-bodied, with gentle flavor from beginning to end. Flavor is mostly sweet candy malt, tofee, a little peat, and a tiny bit of whiskey in the back. Sort of woody finish, and some alcohol warming. Pretty tasty beer.

12 oz bottle thanks to the wife for having this sent to me for Xmas. Murky brown with no head. Aromas of wood and dark fruits. Brown sugar and raisin. Flavors are similar with very sweet and more dark fruity notes. Absolutely no carbonation. Some alcohol, but overall very well hidden. Pretty tasty.

Sampled from small 10 oz bottle at Cellars Wine & Spirits in St. Paul, Minnesota. Pours a hazy burnt orange amber brew with a thin film top and no head nor any lacing. Aroma of powdery caramel malt, peat, toffee and some brown sugar. Taste is full bodied, hardly no carbonation with flavors of caramel malt, smoked peat, toffee and some dark pitted fruits. Finish is smooth, creamy with a wood-like character with some smoked peat and flowery hops. The alcohol warmth in the finish is a decent experience.