Stone Old Guardian (Vintages 2004 and later)

Needed to rate a newer one so I grabbed an ’07 bottle. I have tried to get some each year and have a hard time finding the variations. I have also cellared some in the past but did not take notes of sufficient clarity to note any differences between the years of release nor the differences in taste after spending time alone. I expect this is a good thing because once the bottle is open I tend to not care as much about the geekiness of this habit........this is one brew that makes my notes less important as I watch it pour. This particular bottle was fantastic and I enjoyed it slowly in the perfect glass. As I sipped, the strong malt hit my nose just before the piny resinous hops. Overall though, it creates an alcohol warmth, just the way it should, and just the way it makes it ever so easy to sip. No complaints with any vintage of this brew.

malty monster. grain alcohol comes through in the nose with much more dried grass aroma than the typical raw rubbing alcohol i usually notice in the style. beautiful bronze with a brilliant white head, small bubbles, full strong lacing. This is what a barleywine should taste like. instantly warming, long finish, caramel and bite. somewhat young and with a sneer, but lots of depth right off the shelf and it’s really hard to limit to a sip.

Bottle. Amber colour with a little but nice head. Aroma of malt, hops and caramel. Very nice flavour of malt, fruitness, caramel and ends up very smooth and nice.

Pours a thick hazy red/orange with a thin beige film. Aroma of herbs, honey & oats granola, and hops. Good hop flavours with a strong malty backbone with notes of caramel and a barley flavoured finish. A pretty good beer, my first barley wine and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

2007. Herbal hops supported by lucious sweet caramel malt. its really the hops that distinguish this bwine. they are slightly minty and well just more herbal than citrusy or piney. unique and pleasant. Bwines are still quite good in the summer.

Great beer for the money. This pours with a light head and a huge aroma of honey and trouble. The color is a spectacular golden hue that almost shines with anticipation. The balance is decent, smooth feel, malty with a slightly sappy aftertaste.

Another thanks to BillVanE and dra19. Some hops taste at least. Very well hidden in the taste. Very filling beer and almost firey with the alcohol. I dont think I could drink more than 2 of these in a row, which is a good thing. Great beer.

Pours a amber color with a thin white head. Aroma of malt and caramel. This is good! Nice alcohol taste throughout the beer. Not overly hopped, with great malt flavors. Everything I expect in a good barley wine.