Caskalefan (24), Bellingham, Washington, USA
Mar 26, 2007 Updated: Feb 18, 2008
This barleywine has undergone some major tinkering by Eric the brewmaster, over the last couple of years...it’s not as hoppy as it once was, but it has more balance, it’s spicier (there’s almost a lavenderish underpinning now), and it’s simply warming, and delicious with a drier, longer finish than it used to have., and a vevety, creamy mouthfeel...the perfect sipper on a raw Northwest winter day. 11.5% batch.
Rerate...I just had three snifters of the latest batch (12.5%), and was blown away...amazing aroma of citrus, peach, strawberry, and kiwi that carries over through the flavor, and intermingles with a complex hoppiness into an everlating finish.
The body is creamy, and not too heavy, but just perfect to lend itself to easy drinkability
The alcohol is really well hidden, and at 12.5%, it really sneaks up on you.
 bitbucket (1536), Kirkland, Washington, USA
Feb 22, 2008 On tap at the brewpub. Pours a lightly hazy dark amber with an off-white ring of foam. Sweet caramel and butterscotch aroma. Full body, chewy malt, minimal carbonation, nutty caramel taste that also has a bit of butterscotch, but I’m liking it. Stockholm syndrome, maybe? Dry pine and citrus finish.
shigadeyo (1361), Southwest Ohio Area, Ohio, USA
Sep 9, 2007 Pacific Northwest Vacation 2007
8/19/2007: North Fork Barleywine is a clear, dark amber color and doesn’t have any head or crown. There is a very mild amount of visible carbonation. The aroma of this beer is not so good (off maybe?) as it kind of smells like toothpaste (not sure of any other way to describe it... WCF). Thankfully, the flavor is much better than the aroma. Lots of deep fruity and right caramel maltiness satisfy the tastebuds. This beer is strong. There isn’t much alcohol in the flavor, but it definitely adds some warmth! Unfortunately, the body of this beer is also lacking as it feels medium-light and somewhat thin with no discernable texture. Overall, the appearance and flavor are negatively affected by lack of aroma, body, and mouthfeel resulting in a beer that is drinkable, but not overly satisfying.
Draught sample at The North Fork Brewery - Pizzeria - Beer Shrine in Deming, Washington. Rating #11 for this beer...
acrdz (4248), Pennsylvania, USA
Aug 6, 2005 Draft at the brewery
Dark and clear brown color with a filmy tan head. Very thick and syrupy texture. Flavors of raisen, dates, red grapes, woody harshness as well. A bit nutty, with some rich, sweet apple and sunflower seed flavors as well. Exceptionally rich, yet moderately carbonated. The hops ar chewy and woody, reminds me of Celebration Ale a little. Toasty, nutty and hoppy throughout. Very warming, with a scent of apples and wood.
Indiana_Red (1446), Boise, Idaho, USA
Jul 31, 2005 On Tap at the North Fork. Ckear meduim dark mahogany colr with nary a head and only slight traces of lacing. Wonderfull, sweet carmel, pitted fruit, raisons and brown sugar in the aroma. Flavors were similar with butter, vanila. Smooth and full bodied. Less bittering hops than I expected. Very nice.
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