Old Saguaro (pronounced "suh-whar-oh") is a barleywine by style, and is an exceptional one at that. A Saguaro is the variety of cactus, most of us see when ever we see a desert land scape of the Southwest. It is a very tall, very prickly cactus with a arms sticking out and upward, as seen on the bottle. No cactus juice is used in the brewing of this beer, however. This beer is aged at the brewery for 6 months before its release, and the 2004 vintage is truly outstanding. Coming in at 9.2% abv by volume, this is the perfect beer to sit in relax with as you watch the Southwestern sky fall. Old Saguaro pours to a beautiful, bright, deep tawny brown color with a slight tan head that fades, and a soft carbonation. The nose on this beer is very inviting with lots of sweet malty and caramel aromas, paired with just a hint of peppery alcohol. The palate is firm with some soft touches, as flavors of biscuit and caramel malts fill with mouth. Hints of estery fruit play along as this beer glides over the tongue. Old Saguaro finishes with more sweet malt and touches of estery fruit up front, then ends with a slightly warming, peppery burn. This is an excellent barleywine. I was very impressed with this beer. This limited release beer is available now in in AZ, and select markets in CA. If you find yourself in that area, it is a beer that is well worth seeking out.

Flip-cap bottle from Flaco Alto, 2003 Vintage. Thanks! After 3 long years, it sits before me: Sonoran Old Saguaro Barley Wine. The search has been long, the road riddled with potholes, but alas, here it is. Sitting like a gooey amythyst in my snifter glass, it glows like the desert sand at sunset. Tufts of dust sit atop the beverage, wavering gently as the liquid rocks back and forth, as if moved by a welcome breeze at high noon. Aromas of raisin, peach, apricot, and plumb swirl in glorious harmony to the tune of a softly played pan flute. Too thirsty to go on without sampling, I raise the glass to my lips. My mouth is greeted by a gentle caress of sweet raisin and sugary bread. Bits of nutmeg and coriander slither along the palate like a rattlesnake returning to its den after a satisfying hunt. Shards of alcohol sting the tongue like a scorpion whose slumber was disturbed and wishes the drinker to know he is none too pleased. As the flavors subside, a coolness envelops the mouth, much as the desert will breathe a sigh of relief after the sun leaves for locales to the west. Fantastic beer; everything I hoped it would be... and more.

<b>Vintage 1998 - First Batch/Bottling</b> Re-rate 09/13/02:<P> The Pour is a dark rusty brown color, the head is beige, and dissipated quickly, the lace in sheets, with lots of suspended goodies floating between the top and bottom. Nose is ’Fusel Alcohol’, brandyish, caramel, malt, earhty. Front is sweet, the top is medium, the finish is ’Alcohol’, quite dry, somewhat sour, nice hop undertones, lightly acidic, and what a belly warmer. <b>WOW!</b> a quite decent barley wine to start with, now I must go out and find some to lay down for a few years. Ranks #137 on my current 1000 beer master list.

Malty and fruity. Very sweet with dry finish. Alcohol will warm your bones.