 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Mar 12, 2008
Clear vermilion in hue and topped of a fluffy yellowish beige head, Old Horizontal is bright and enticing in the light. Fruity and sweet the nose balances hoppy grapefruit and banana esters. A slew of sugary sensations aromatically appear: cotton candy, bubble gum and honey give rise to a medley of blueberries, mandarin, apricot, pear, vanilla and tulips. On the palate a smooth syrupy texture suggests caramel and honey. The springy bitterness of pine resin and citrus reveal the hop profile, while blackberries and strawberries make up the resurgent fruit flavors. A burnt woodiness takes prominence with warming, particularly combined with walnuts and cloves. The smooth mouthfeel adeptly hides a substantial amount of alcohol, betrayed only by the warmth I felt in my stomach. Well made, but somehow comes across as emotionally sterile – not quite my style. (10/04/2007)
cmillward (419), Orlando, Florida, USA
Nov 9, 2009 12oz bottle, a year old. Pours a ruddy amber with a creamy tan head. Nose of rich caramel, some fruit, a little booze, brown sugar. Flavor is rich malt, sweet, brown sugar, some figs, a solid bitterness and some strong alcohol towards the finish. Creamy, lush carb with med-heavy mouthfeel. A sipper for sure.
SpencerDB (18), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Nov 5, 2009 Oh boy what a good beer. Poured with a thin tan head and a fruity/citrus/delicious aroma and had a matching taste. Creamy, tasty, and delicious. Hides the high alcohol content well. Great flavor, great beer.
hayduke (1621), Eureka, California, USA
Nov 5, 2009 Thanks to Strykzone for this superb beer. From a 12 oz bottle it poured a deep garnet color with a moderate light tan head and good lacing rings. The nose is caramel malts with ripe fruit, citrus, and alcohol. Very rich and creamy mouthfeel and a medium to heavy body. Lots of tantalizing flavors with ripe fruit and moving to a nice bitter citrus finish. A simply sublime American Barley Wine.
rabba9 (61), Chaska, Minnesota, USA
Oct 30, 2009 Bottle pours amber brown with a thin white head. Aroma is heavy on malts, caramel, raisin, and cherry. Taste is caramel sweetness initially but finishes with a nice floral hop bitterness and a roasted malt flavor. Body is medium-heavy. Flavors are balanced incredibly well, Well done!
patrickfannon (274), Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA
Oct 26, 2009 Draft. 5 oz flight. Pours amber with a thin, tan head. Aroma of sweet fruits, cherries, malts, barley, and hops. Medium bodied with a smooth, delicious mouthfeel. Crisp, dry finish. Excellent barley wine. Recommended.
oteyj (716), Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA
Oct 22, 2009 Garnet pour with a smallish white head. Aroma is outstanding even before going in for the first sniff. Lots of fruity esters, port, caramel, orange peel, and alcohol. Hop character is above average for the style. Flavor is luscious- copious caramel, toffee, and fruity sweetness, accompanied by some vinous quality and a very subtle roasted barley note. Again, hop character is high, yielding citrus and nectar. Palate is thick, silky, velvety, and rich. A slight effervescent quality sits on the tongue seemingly forever, eventually retreating and leaving behind a slightly warming boozy slippery smacking mouthfeel. Balance of flavors is incredible, every facet is covered amazingly.
craftycarl21 (513), South Hero, Vermont, USA
Oct 22, 2009 500th rating, been looking forward to this brew for a while now. Dark garnet pour with a thin white veil of a head. Aroma holds raisin, caramel, wheat, fruity esters, dark vinous notes, and a bit of citrus. 10.5% ABV is certainly apparent on the nose; I expect it to be prevalent in the flavor as well. Flavor is delicious; starts with caramel sweetness with supplemental notes of raisin, wine, nectar fruit, and even a bit of roast. The second half of the flavor has a really nice hop character with a dry, bitter citrus note, followed with a bit of grain and definite booze at the finish. Complex flavor overall, a really solid American barley wine on that front. Palate is quite full and sticky, and the alcohol burn is subtle and welcomed. A really nice brew on the whole.
cmonster (74), Portland, Oregon, USA
Oct 20, 2009 Bottle served in a snifter. A slight haze in the auburn-brown body. Minimal head. Sweet aroma sweet, caramel, over-ripe banana, and raisins. Creamy mouthfeel amonst little carbonation. Substantial body (medium-full) followed by plenty of hops. The finish, which is not real heavy, is a little bitter and lengthy.
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