New Holland Pilgrims Dole

One of the oddest BW’s I’ve tried, in that it really lacked a lot of flavor. Most have tons of flavor, but this one was much more subtle than usual.

Draft at brewpub. Dark amber color with average frothy white head. Complex aroma and flavor of malt, caramel, raisin and apple. Medium body with creamy texture. Above average for style.

Rich, gold color with a thin, white head that collapses quickly for a beer of this strength. Very toasty, cereal-like nose that emphasizes the use of wheat. Grain alcohol is also noticable in the aroma. Flavor is toasted sweetness, though oddly sweet, with a perfumey, integrated hop. A big bitterness that hits just past mid-palate then turns to acidity then the odd malt/hop combo comes back into the finish.

draft. different. the sugar taste seems to be overwhelmingy. has sweet oranges, raisins, and honey also. yeah, it’s has 10% abv, but is a little too "off" too drink more then one. different.

bottle..semi clear amber pour with a medium tan head. Sour aroma, some fruitiness but I can’t pin which fruit...maybe grape. Fruity start, again I think grape. Sour, sticky very fruity. Interesting tang on the back of the tongue also. Sweet to finish, this is quite interesting and drinkable. Alcohol is not noticable.

Bottle. I get lots of sour vinous fruits in the aroma of this. Most noticeable grapes and pears. Almost smells like fruit cocktail. I can’t say I’ve ever had a Wheat Barleywine or Wheat wine or whatever you call this. Sweetness in the nose. Aroma isnt too bad. Mild-to moderate hazy color with copper notes and a small white head--reminiscent of an IPA. Sweet and tangy to start with more grapes and pear vinousness. Slightly astringent and roasty with some mild hoppy bitteness to finish. Hides the 10% well. Not bad and rather interesting beer.

****2006 Re-rate.... Bottle received from WBC in a trade... Cloudy orange ale with a small, creamy, off-white head. Malty, earthy nose with notes of toffee, wood, buttermilk and diacetyl. Flavor is well-balanced with lots of toffee and buttermilk. Lesser notes of fuzzy fruits. Mild sweetness and bitterness. Full-bodied and ultra-creamy with lively carbonation. A touch boozy. Lactic, tangy finish. Didn’t enjoy it as much the second time around. ****Original rating... Bottle... Clear amber ale with a small, creamy, white head. Malty, fruity aroma with notes of pink cotton candy and Play Dough with apple, pineapple and pear esters. Well-balanced, tangy flavor. Malty and sweet, then a huge tartness hits the palate (pineapple and lemon). Medium-bodied and dry with mild carbonation. Lengthy, tart, lightly sweet finish. A strange bird (for a barleywine), but I like it.

Pours medium bodied with a coppery shine and a blond highlighted boldness. Aroma of apples and roses with a touch of cinnamon. Not a strong aroma but strong enough to enjoy. Flavor starts very rich, sweet, malty and refined then quickly turns sour and watery. Probably the strangest and most conspicuously transformation my buds have witnessed. In this dichotomy of flavor is raspberry, rye, rich malt and twangy hops. The alcohol lies dormant to the procession such that I find it hard to believe the 10% claimed. Overall, not really wild about this one, though quite interesting. I bought a single and don’t suggest anyone buy the sixer until you have sampled some. The wheat makes it interesting, but leads to an annoying twang.