RateBeer

Midnight Sun Arctic Devil Barley Wine

Percentile
99
overall

bottled
common

on tap
available

Regional Distribution
Find this beer

Add Distribution Data
send corrections | shelftag |
RatingsAverageScoreSeasonalABVStyle PctlServe in
2764.01/5.03.98/5.0Winter14%97Snifter
Commercial Description:
Arctic Devil Barley Wine, aptly named after the ferocious wolverine of the north, is an English-style (meaning malt-inclined) barley wine. Though the recipe and process for Arctic Devil have evolved over the years, it is typically brewed in January then aged in oak barrels for several months before the entire batch is blended, bottled and released on the Friday after Thanksgiving. In its youth, Arctic Devil gnarls and snarls its way across the palate. Containing this beast of a beer for long periods in oak barrels--some having previously aged port, wine or whiskey--tames the unleashed malt and fierce hop flavors, melding and mellowing this powerful liquid into an incredible elixir worthy of a brewer's table. Each annual batch of Arctic Devil Barley Wine represents the brewers' resolve to create an intriguing and sought-after barley wine by precisely brewing to well-designed specifications, carefully selecting the type and combination of barrels to use for aging, and meticulously checking the beer as it ages. Distinct nuance and complexity are contributed by the wood's previous tenants, resulting in unique flavor profiles in each batch that continue to change over time. We invite you to savor Arctic Devil Barley Wine upon its release then cellar some for future enjoyment.
 Most Recent Top Raters Highest Ratings Who's Rated This?  
 wetherel (1591), Encinitas, California, USA
4.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/58/103/518/20
Aug 3, 2008  
Tasted from bottle at RBSG. Another excellent Midnight Sun offering. Great malty sweet aroma, and same for the taste. Excellent.


 Sparky27 (1586), Phoenix, Arizona, USA
4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/58/104/516/20
Aug 1, 2008  
Bomber. Pours a murky swamp water brown with one finger light tan head and minimal lacing. Nose is dark fruits, caramel and alcohol. Taste is sweet dates, brown sugar, raisins and alcohol with a touch of hops trying to fight through the sweetness in the finish. Medium mouth feel. This is a big beer – definitely a slow slipper. A nice, complex barley wine.


 JohnnyJ (1309), Carlsbad, California, USA
4.1 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/58/104/517/20
Jul 26, 2008  
Pours a dark cloudy brown/amber with light tan head. This barley wine is very sweet and malty. Caramel, brown sugar, raisins, vanilla, oak, dark fruit, and toasted malt. Complex and thick mouthfeel, this is an excellent dessert beer.


hoppybeers4me (15), Ohio, USA
4.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/59/104/516/20
Jul 21, 2008  
On tap at the brewery, July 11. Super flavorable, one of the most substantial and satisfying BW I have ever tasted. Amber red-brown color with small head. Lots of caramel, fruit, some wood. Nicely balanced, but has a strong alcohol finish. Perfect for dessert, but don’t overdo it!


 omhper (12171), Stockholm, Sweden
4.4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/510/105/516/20
Jul 18, 2008  
Bottled (10%), thanks Crosling! Hazy mahogany colour, minimal head. Deep raisiny sherry aroma. Sweet and full bodied. Sticky, but mature with complex vinous flavour of caramel and wood. Thick and warming. Has the malty warming complexity of J.W. Lees Harvest Ale. Just wonderful!


 beerbill (1944), Laurel, New York, USA
4.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/59/105/517/20
Jul 6, 2008  
22 oz. bottle. Pours a dark amber with a luscious, moderate tan head that disappeared by mid-glass. Very pleasant aroma of caramel, brown sugar, dates, vanilla, and alcohol. The flavor is even more intense than the aroma with caramel, brown sugar, dates and vanilla up front followed by some moderate heat from the alcohol. Considering this beer is 14% abv, the alcohol is fairly restrained. Full bodied with a real nice buttery mouthfeel. Excellent brew!


 kmweaver (2440), Sebastopol, California, USA
4.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/58/104/517/20
Jul 3, 2008  
22oz bottle, courtesy of acrdz. Thanks, Mike! Pours a dark, viscous amber-brown color; light khaki head with patchy, fine-bubbled lacing. Loads of dried dark fruits, brown sugar, and dense tea-infused maltiness in the aroma; warming alcohol (nothing rough) and dense, honey-like sweetness; very very nice, generous nose. Full, viscous mouthfeel: loads of honey, dried dark fruits, caramel, and warming alcohol; balancing earthy, general bitterness; very balanced and very drinkable stuff; an excellent barleywine. Lengthy finish: brown sugar, dry toasty malts, caramel, and dried dark fruits; a touch of vanilla. Excellent.


StoutCat (82), Rockville, Maryland, USA
4.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/58/104/518/20
Jul 2, 2008  
Aroma of brown sugar and caramel. Taste of caramel, buttery,sweet malts, vanilla and chocolate. great beer, very smooth



CONSIDER FREE RATEBEER MEMBERSHIP



Join us! RateBeer is made by beer enthusiasts for the craft beer community. Your basic membership is free and allows you to read all beer ratings. Click here to create your account... and give your opinion!

SIGN UP NOW »

View Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28


About RateBeer | Add A Beer | Log In | Edit Personal Info | 100 Beer Club | FAQ | Feedback?
Copyright © 2000-2009, RateBeer LLC