North Coast Old Stock Ale

Brewed by North Coast Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
Fort Bragg, California USA

2002 bottle sampled May 2003. A really outstanding beer. A dark ruby red with no head, still quite attractive. Rich fruity aroma with plums, dark malts, earthy and spicy notes from the hops. Flavors were similar, with dark fruity malts propping up a full near syrupy body with just enough carbonation. Herbal and earthy hops provide contrast. Pretty strong stuff and deceptively so, the alcohol was well masked, and one 12 oz bottle of this put me to sleep. Still young, but already drinkable and shows promise for aging well.

(Release 2003): The beer as it sets in the glass translucent incarnadine color with a modest and semi-creamy head that is a winsome light tan in color as it passes out of existence rather quickly; the remnants form a somewhat patchy sheet of lace to cover the glass. The aroma of sweet malt, a ripe plum or maybe better yet raisins also present, the every present fresh, clean and crispness also noticed, not a bad thing, just can’t find a better way to describe the nose with the front quite sweet, thickly malted, the top also rich in its feel to the palate. Finish is moderately carbonated, the hops pleasing in their bite, spicy but not overly so, aftertaste desert dry. The big thing is the huge “Tummy Warming” sensation from the 11.4 percent ABV, oh how I love this beer and have a case in storage, but alas only two 2002 releases left as this beer is an overwhelming favorite when I’m in the mood to “Rock My World”!

(Release 2002): I must be losing what little “Brain Cells” I have left as I swear that I have sampled this beer several times, yet no where in my extensive list of notes can I find it? Oh well, another “bad boy barley wine” to sample. The beer as it sets tempting me to drink it before its time is up, is a transpicuous deep ruby red, the head sententious, the lace fine sheets of lace to coat the glass. The aroma of fine malt, lightly sweet, clean and fresh, hints of butter, quite pleasant. Begins malt and quite sweet, the top thick-bodied, with the finish peacefully carbonated and the hops delightful in the spiciness, malt dry and long lasting alcohol bitter aftertaste, a “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” as the high ABV sneaks up on you and warms the tummy, a fine “Winter Warmer”.

2003 vintage. To begin with this is one sensational Barleywine from NC. Pours a beautiful deep amber/orange color, but maintains only a very thin whispy head. Luscious, rich aromas of brandy, dark rum, plum, raisin, fig and caramel. Flavors of aformentioned dark fruits, cherry, oak and chocolate just completely overtake one’s taste receptors. Mouthfeel is silky smooth and chewy. Alcohol level is exceptionally well balanced and certainly enhances the aromas and flavors enjoyed here. If you can find this, give it a try. Definitely a winner!

Dark copper in color, nice soft lacy head, lots of hops in the aroma, very well balanced, lots of hops in the flavors as well, spicy aftertaste, great brew

Clear, dark reddish amber. Very nice shade, made me think of a gemstone. Sweet, complex aroma: winelike, sweetness, grapes. Similar in flavor to the smell, plus some maple notes. Holy God!! 11.4%!? I had no idea until 3/4 of the way through. They hide the alcohol pretty well, but at the same time, it seems to do good things to the flavor. Long, nice aftertaste. An excellent brew.

2003 vintage pours a murky dark reddish brown with a small light brown head with large bubbles that leaves a thin lacing in my glass. Fruity plum, vanilla and grapefruit aromas, dark fruit, caramel, chocolate and nutty flavors. Full bodied with a full and thick lightly carbonated mouthfeel, finishes on the dry side, alcohol well hidden, very nice.

deep garnet in color with a nice medium sized tan head. Wonderful sweet malt aroma. medium to full bodied with a very pleasing taste of sweet malts, raisins, plums, with a slight bitterness in the finish. Alcohol is pleasantly warming, but not overly so. A very nice barleywine.

2002 - Dark orangy brown color, with very little head. Aroma is big and sweet with a rich carmel malty presence. Flavor is strong malt, quite sweet, fig tones, moderatly chewy, moderate hop presence, hints of chocolate, and dark cherry. Very rich and complex. Strong alcohol character, but not overpowering. Excellent beer.