 desurfer (1039), Pinellas Park, Florida, USA
Jan 20, 2004
I thought I would never see one of these, until one day the whole set of pre-'03 vintages appeared at the store. This is the first that I am trying. A small tan head sits atop a deep mahogany body. The aroma is heavenly, a combination of woody and vinous notes with just the slightest hint of alcohol. Silky smooth palate, very little carbonation. The vinous notes in the aroma are also in the flavor, dark berries and an alcohol warmth that is very pleasant. Just the slightest bit of hop bite, as this has been aged over 3 years. Dry, warm finish. Absolutely wonderful!
arjoseph (557), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Aug 30, 2008 Part of our hotel room tasting, GABF 2007. Thanks to whoever brought it (pretty sure this one was from Captain Cougar or someone from the Atlanta crew). Smell instantly reminded me of De Horste Signature ale in the granulation of the brown sugar and sugar cane aromas, like you were sniffing a snifter full of pure cane sugars; also had an undertone of musty raisins like a Thomas Hardy’s. Very smooth in the mouth, overripe cherries and caramel on a medium-bodied beer. There’s some dunkel-ish grain flavor late, right before the finish settles in, and some thin grape juice character too. Nice, sweet, and rich, but not my ideal barley wine, which I like to be a bit more full-bodied and a bit hoppier.
awaisanen (1161), Irvine, California, USA
Dec 13, 2007 From a 750mL Bottle. Generously shared by cquiroga. Mostly transparent, ruddy amber colored pour with a thin halo of whitish head. Rich aroma of sherried pears, brandied apricots, and figgy spice. Lots of complex, fruity higher alcohols generally reserved for the classic British style barleywines. The malt characters seem to have tailored off some, leaving behind a trail of fruity caramels and peanut brittle syrup. Medium bodied, softly carbonated mouthfeel. A bit oxidized, expectedly so, but doesn’t destroy the beer by any means. Lots and lots of sherried fruits and notes of chewy caramel. Some leathery tannins work their way into the final smack, creating a somewhat tart, crisp finish that’s accentuated by some gentle black pepper higher alcohol spices. A bit past it’s prime, but still quite tasty. Thanks for sharing, Chris!
CaptainCougar (4664), Rockville, Maryland, USA
Nov 28, 2007 Bottle shared by cquiroga on 10/12/07: Pours a transparent copper amber with a thin, wispy ring of light tan head. Aroma of sweet slightly earthy and oxidized caramel malt with some light fruity notes and mild cherry tartness. Body starts with a fairly full caramel sweetness with some sherry and light fruity complexity. Finishes with a touch of tartness and toffee. Seems to have held up pretty well with its age, but I’m pretty sure it’s past its prime.
goldtwins (3740), Nesconset, New York, USA
Oct 30, 2007 Poured a hazy ruby amber color with a thin off-white head. The aroma was of aged malt, raisins, plums, figs, alcohol and brown sugar. The flavor was full with fruity aged malt. Some thick notes of raisin flesh and brown sugar. medium bodied and very warming. Held up fine.
kp (6300), Woodstock, Georgia, USA
Oct 21, 2007 Date: 10/13/2007
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting
muddy dark brown, wispy beige head,
sweet brown sugar aroma with a light fruity character and a hint of age,
creamy body,
rich malt flavor, lots of brown sugar sweetness combines with chocolate malt, nice fruity character melds well with the sweetness,
Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 8/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 7/10; Overall: 15/20
Rating: 3.7/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: ***/4
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