Wynkoop Sledgehammeren Barleywine

If this is the one I think it was (on tap at the brewery in winter of ’06-07) it was the best Barleywine I’ve ever had. Bordering on the too sweet but cut by the sting of the top alcohol. They had a carbonated mead on tap at the time that was also the best of its kind I’ve had. These 2 along with the Silverback make Wynkoop my favorite brewery in the world.

All I have to say is wow... WOW. This beer has a huge aroma of caramel malt, some hops in there, some coffee, and even some chocolate. Potent and complex, just the way a like it. Body is full. Mouthfeel is smooth, very smooth. Not too sweet, just the way I like my high gravity beers. Awesome.

On tap. Sweet whiskey in the nose. Lot’s of oak and a malty sweetness that blend into a creamy mouthfeel with a solid alcohol back. Probably the best barrel-aged barleywine I have ever had! Is my rating too low? I believe I’ll have just one more pint!!!

At the 2007 Big Beer, Belgians, & Barleywines Festival in Vail. Pours brown with a thick beige head. Has big raisins and dates. Super thick palate. Very malty, lots of fruity esters, and big alcohol. These are the real numbers: OG 27.1/ TG 6.5/ 10.8% ABV.

Pours medium brown with thin tan head which disappears quickly. Caramel, raisin, and airy bubblegum nose. Mellow mouthfeel, full body. Not overly sweet like some other barleywines. Smooth hoppy finish with some alcohol presence.