 jasonp (1446), Sterling/Dulles, Virginia, USA
Jan 30, 2008
Very clear, dark brown/mahogany with a thick beige head. Nice Centennial orange/tangerine hop aroma with some caramel. An easy-drinkin’ barley wine - on the lighter side. Starts with notes of wood, toffee, then PacNW hoppy grapefruit, orange, pine, some pipe tobacco, a little raisin and the lightest twinge of mint. Pleasant sweetness level. As mentioned, this one’s easy drinking so the body is on the medium side with with moderate carbonation. Comes across more like a hoppy/malty American Strong Ale moreso than a barleywine. Overall, good.
MrBunn (892), Western, Pennsylvania, USA
Oct 8, 2008 Bottle. (2007 vintage). Pours a medium brown that only lets a bit of reddish light through. Head dies to a film fairly quickly. Aromas are fairly fruity (figs and dates with maybe some plum or prune) and have a bit of a citrus/pine edge. First sip reveals that this is one of the better barley wines I’ve had... don’t know if this is because it has a little age on it or what. Fruit and hops blend together in a sticky sweet maltiness that just brings a smile. Alcohol is present and fairly obvious, but doesn’t punch or distract... it seems like a natural part of the equation. There is a bit of a graininess to Back Burner, though... which I’ve not run across in a BW before and I’m not sure quite whether it is an asset or a liability. I’d drink this again... sure!
sebletitje (372), Tampa, Florida, USA
Oct 6, 2008 Courtesy of ibrew2or3.
Pours copperish, off white head.
Aroma, grainy, fruity ( banana / vanilla)
Taste, hoppy, caramel, barley, light chocolat, malty.
Drinkable, but not memorable. Still a veryd ecent barley wine.
fishingnet (856), Brandon, Florida, USA
Oct 5, 2008 Bottle courtesy of Ibrew2or3. Pours a clear amber with a one finger light tan head that leaves good lacing. Aroma of caramel, spicy hops, and sweet malt. Taste is the same as aroma. Medium mouthfeel with a moderate amount of bitterness and smooth alcohol. Not the best from Southern Tier but still a solid brew.
FROTHINGSLOSH (1510), GREENSBURG, Pennsylvania, USA
Oct 4, 2008 Sampled from a 22 oz brown bottle this beer poured a chestnut color with a small tan head. The aroma was a complex mix of sweet malts, pineapple, pear, apple, caramel and bourbon. A bit heavy on the alcohol though on the nose. The flavor was sour, lightly bitter and had notes of fruity hops, caramel and nut. The finish was short, sour and malty. Good but not great.
Snojerk321 (1021), San Diego, California, USA
Sep 30, 2008 22oz bottle. Pours a completely hazed ruby brown with a small beige ring. Nose was mostly toasted and caramel malts with some pine and booze. Flavor was again very sweet and malty with a light hop bite. Finish was sweet and a lot less bitter than expected.....a great Barley Wine.
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