Williamsburg AleWerks Brewmasters Reserve Grand Illumination Ale

22oz bottle, #0181 of 2007. American Barley-Wine Style. Pours a deep Reddish-brown color, with an off-white head. Aromas of tobacco, and big sweetness. The label states American Barley-Wine Style.? No way, this one seems more English Style to me. Dark fruit, and rich caramel malt flavors. Rich and heavy bodied. Shouldn’t it finish with a big bitterness.

22 oz - Dark coppery crimson, light tan creamy head. Rich musty dark fruit and caramel citrus aromas lay on waves of piney brown sugar and molasses. Deep upfront resiny citric bitterness balances extremely well on core of warm sweet caramel coated raisin and fig. Rounded beautifully from beginning to end. Full bodied, medium carbonation, bittersweet finish. Best beer these guys have ever created. A great late night sipper...

This one poured a copper color with a small tan head. The aroma is caramel, cherries, alcohol, and a hint of citrus. The flavor is somewhat sweet with some dark fruits like raisins present. There is also a citrus presence with this one. The alcohol is noticeable but not overwhelming. Overall a very nice barleywine.

Pours a muddy dark brown with a very small head. Cloudy inside the dark color. No lace to speak of. Very thick pour. Aroma is all caramel and malt, with a pleasant, slightly crisp character. Flavor follows through with the caramel from the aroma but with a nice balancing hop bite. Finish is sweet, but not cloying, leaving a very pleasant caramel note to play off the notable alcohol presence.

Bottle from Squire’s. Pours turbid ruby brownish with tan head. Nose is a complex medley of caramel malt, red grapes, brown sugar, figs, spice, cognac, and hops. Tastes caramel malty, with hops, vinous fruit, fig, and brown sugar. Palate is rich, complex, and hoppy, with a solid fruity presence. This one is truly good.