Thirsty Bear Bearly Legal Barley Wine

Golden-amber colour. Sweetly malty with light fruit notes. Though a year old, it’s still very sweet with bright fruitiness and late alcohol. I like the flavours but would prefer to try again in a few years when it’s dried out a bit and hopefully the complexity has come into form a bit more.

Draught at the brewpub. Lightly hazy amber. Sweet malt dominates this beer. There’s lots of toffee, butterscotch and some light orangey notes. The sweetness feels somewhat saccharine-like and starts to burn your throat. The hops play second fiddle to the malt, but some salty bitterness takes the edge of the sachharine sweetness. Has potential to improve greatly with aging.

Had the 2003 edition on tap. A very flavorful and complex barley wine. I was pleasantly surprised.

Not on the menu but told by our server it just became available. On tap, at the brewpub. Dark orange, thick white head. Some sweet caramel and alcohol in pleasing aroma. Very very sweet flavourful taste. Light on the hop side, but similar to the old crusty I had on tap earlier in the day at Rogue. Not overly complex, but then again, quite drinkable at this alcohol level. Just a tad watery. Very good and a great way to end the night.

Draft. Rich deep amber with a HUGE off-white head. Sweet malt aroma, spice, and a bit of something resembling wine that turned to vinegar. Caramel malt, and a slightly burnt flavor. Enough hops to keep it interesting. Nice and complex.