’04 vintage. I know I’m the only one who gave this a 5. Maybe it’s because I was a bit buzzed, and the owner and brew master that brewed and brought this ale to the NorCal tasting were sitting right next to me, and it was an incredible evening trying some outstanding ales. Or, maybe it’s just because this was the best barley wine I had ever had. I think it’s the latter. As I drank each sip, they grew smaller and smaller, as I tried to extend the experience of this jewel to last longer than the alloted amount in my glass. It reminded me of Angel’s Share with a smoother finish and a bit better balance. I even kept the bottle it came in. Thanks Sean & Craig! RE-RATE: So after having this again at the Sac Brewfest yesterday, I can say that it definitely was the beer that warranted the rating, and not just the evening on which it was first rated. Even though the brewmaster is total A-hole, I begrudgingly say that it is the best Barlywine I have ever had. Try to get an even year vintage.

(bottle of ’06) Excellent aroma of wood and bourbon w/ hints of black cherry and vanilla. Light tan head rapidly diminishes leaving a beautiful, clear mahogany. Wood and bourbon carry through accentuated by caramel and malt. Medium body is full of rich creaminess that hangs on w/ a slightly spicy finish reminiscent of mincemeat! Definitely worth sipping slowly! Limited availability is this beers only downside!

<i>From a 6oz bottle, 2005 Vintage.</i> Mostly transparent, light golden amber colored pour with a well sustaining finger of fine bubbled white foam. Remarkably clear and carbonated considering the age. Wonderfully complex nose, bringing out the best qualities of malt, age, and the barrel. Loads of light fruits leap from the glass, suggesting apricot, peach, and green raisin. The level of fruit is just right, as no detrimental oxidation effects are noticeable. The oak adds a wonderful layer of vanilla and spicy wood that integrates smoothly with the fruits. Medium-full bodied, moderately carbonated mouthfeel with a smooth, gently warming finish. Flavors of honey and toffee malt up front, followed by more fruits - apricot, nectarine, peach, and raisin. A spicy barrel character pops up mid-palate along with a wave of vanilla. Long and lingering finish with soft and refined alcohol notes warming the cheeks. Flavors of light fruits and oak dimensions are left behind to tease the palate. Marvelous beer. Thanks for sharing, Julian!

I have probably had this beer, in all its various vintages and permutations twenty times in the last 5 years. After sampling the 2004 edition at the April Northern California Beer Tasting I realized I have never rated this gem. Sorry to Sean and Craig, but I will now rectify this situation. This barley wine poured a amber gold color from the bottle, Small sized white foamy head. The aroma was caramel, brown sugar and dark fruit. A medium to full bodied Barleywine. The malts are caramel, toffee and fruity. Sweet but not cloying. The hops are earthy. Very smooth. Lots of complexity is this beer, there are hint of oak, vanilla and dark fruit. Hides the alcohol very well, there is that warming feeling and a touch of alcohol bite but not much. Excellent beer. This stuff ages wonderfully. Mouthfeel is very full and round. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.

Courtesy aspidites and stoutlover72. 2005. Beautiful deep ruby pour topped by 1.5cm of dense, frothy off white head. Gorgeous. Heavy, sweet barleywine nose- rich caramel/toffee malt, oak, alcohol, light vanilla, and subtle cotton candy or coconut. Similar flavor with some dried dark fruits, sherry, subtle whisky- my guess is a highland malt, cookies, more alcohol, and some hops in the second half and finish- light floral spicyness and big time resin. Full body, balanced yet lightly viscous. Excellent barleywine. And yes, I dislike socialists.