 beerguy101 (3478), Newark, California, USA
May 4, 2008
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.
JMFG (1140), Florida, USA
Aug 16, 2008 2004 vintage, courtesy aspidites. Dark amber color, almost brown, with a sparse thin tan head. Killer aroma of dark spicy wood, grain, robust malts, alcohol. Some sweetness also, a hint of dulce de leche-like sweet spice. Taste is a complex mix of tannic oak, malt, toffee, earthy hops, vanilla. A fantastic barleywine that was right up my alley. Was a pleasure just to sit there and take in the aroma.
yespr (6362), Copenhagen O, Denmark
Aug 6, 2008 22 fl oz handbottled, 2005 scotch barrel. Pours golden orange with a lacing white head. Dense malty and fruity aroma and flavour. Solid caramel malty flavour. Smooth and fruity into the finish. Fruity and caramel finish.
awaisanen (1140), Irvine, California, USA
Jun 21, 2008 From a 6oz bottle, 2005 Vintage. 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!
mgermani (595), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Apr 15, 2008 Updated: Apr 16, 2008Pours a lovely amber-red with a small foam ring. Aroma is very assertive - lovely, sweet raisins and maple syrup. Very sweet taste - more maple with a touch of diacetyl, mild floral quality. Thick body with good carb. What a treat - this is very, very sweet and I’m a big fan. 2004 vintage, sampled at Oakes Christmas tasting party. Thanks!
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