Old Guardian Oak-Smoked Barley Wine Style Ale

May 31, 2013 By Staff

Stone Brewing Co.

Escondido, CA

Style: Barley wine

ABV: 11.6

Staff Review: Every other year Stone breaks out their odd-year release. This one is a twist on their famed Old Guardian Barley Wine. The nose smells almost like mom’s breakfast, bacon and brown sugar. Right away we can tell that the hop bitterness is competing with the smoky malts.  As the hops try to give way the smoke takes over. This beer is a more of a tug of war with two very distinct flavors.  Lay this one down for a year or so and drink again when the hops mellow out.