Stone Old Guardian (Vintages 2004 and later)

2008 bottling. Bomber pours a hazy copper orange with a small but sturdy beige head. Aroma is restrained, surprisingly, with notes of caramel and citrusy hops. Creamy full medium body has a subdued carbonation. Taste has a solid caramel malt breadiness with plenty of hops to balance. Bitter citrus rind balances the big malt sweetness very well. Alcohol is well hidden. A very reliable American barleywine.

Bottle thanks to the brewers at home. Aroma is sweet malts, pale slightly biscuity notes, peppery and lychee off the hop. Taste is similar, i wouldnt say thin id say less body than expected and well balanced which makes this incredibly drinkable. The whole 22once bottle was gone in half an house.

On tap at the Blind Tiger in NYC. This beer is very thick and creamy, with a sweet and hoppy flavor that is in great balance. Its quite complex and has a long-lasting flavor profile. Earthy and alcohol finish. Great Barleywine.

clear amber orange with a stiff creamy head. Woody pine resin, bread and grapefruit, with alcohol notes in the nose. An alcohol perfume over sweet malt backed up by some nice tangy citrus and earthy hops. Definite alcohol warmth on the way down. Finishes with a thick, sweet coating that slowly fades to a sound hop bitterness.

Tap... Poured ruby with a frothy white head. Floral aroma with a hint of alcohol. The alcohol is pretty well hidden in the initial flavor by the candy and bubble gum malt flavors. Dry hops follow up with a touch of warming alcohol in the aftertaste. Really smooth and relaxing.

orange and tangerine. Very reminiscent of the 10th anniversary IIPA, but more refined. Alcohol is strong, but blending with hops in a nice way. No abrasive fusels at all. Some sort of taste/smell that reminds me of being on the boat in the lake in the summer. I have no idea what it is, but it’s really weird to notice. gummy candy. Really a sweet IIPA with a perfectly balanced sweetness meshed with fruity hops. not really even noticing the bitterness, mostly just sugar, but not cloyingly sweet. Palate is slick and smooth, but light enough to make this emminently drinkable.

A Mes rate: Bottle thanks to Greg and Mitch from Stone.
Rich amber coloured with a good white head and beautiful condition. Aroma of big peppery hops, gorgeous barley and thick chewy earthy malt. Light sweetness at the top. More of the same in the flavour. Lots of legs and lovely and dry for a barely wine. Thick and chewy big alcohol sting on the finish. Chunky and luscious mouthfeel. Great stuff.

22 ounce bottle from Brad. 08 vintage. Hazy amber orange color, with an off white head, and plenty of lace. What a giant grapefruit bomb. In the nose and flavor. And bitter as hell too. Tasty though. A bit of candy sweetness up front. Medium body with medium carbonation. Balanced finish. I can’t believe this is the first time I’ve had this. I need to start getting this for the cellar.