94 Old Abominable Barley Wine Ale, Stoudt’s Brewing Co. (PA). 8.6% ABV (2/07)
Copper color. Sweet mocha molasses aromas. Frothy and rich with a dry-yet-fruity full body of dark chocolate, citrus marmalade, spice and raisin toast. Long, rich and sweet fruity finish with zesty spice and mild hops. Absolutely delicious and dangerously drinkable.
93 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine, Stone Brewing Co. (CA). 11.2% ABV (2/09)
Hazy orange copper color. Mild aromas of toffee and nut toast aromas follow through on a round, silky entry to a fruity-yet-dry full body with chocolate-covered raisin, brandy, sugar cane and sour cherry notes. Finishes with a long citrusy, peppery and earthy hop fade. Very nice and polished.
93 Isle of Pines Barley Wine, Flying Goose (NH). 8.5% ABV (2/07) %{Brewpub}
Copper color. Dense spruce and warm caramel aromas. A rich, velvety entry leads to a frothy dryish medium-full body of toffee, citrus and piney hop flavors. Finishes with a full, but balanced caramel and vibrant pine cone hop fade. Aggressive and very clean hops are kept in check by the beautiful sweet malt in this very drinkable American-styled barley wine.
93 2008 Old Crustacean Barleywine Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 11.5% ABV (2/09)
Reddish mahogany color with a lacy tan head. Caramel apple and chocolate rice crispy aromas follow through on a rich, plush entry to a fruity sweet medium body with layers of praline, brown sugar, spice and dried fruits. Finishes with a long, chewy orange and peach marmalade fade with lingering resinous hops. A blockbuster barley wine to savor.
91 Old Boardhead Barleywine, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 9% ABV (2/09)
Brilliant deep copper color with a taupe blanket of foam. Creamy chocolate and caramel aromas follow through on a supple, velvety entry to a fruity sweet full body with praline, apricot marmalade and Blue Mountain coffee bean notes. Finishes with a long, bitter orange peel and peppery spice fade. A delicious and exquisitely balanced barley wine for sipping or to serve with spicy souvlaki.
89 XIV Anniversary Barley Wine, Uinta Brewing Co. (UT). 10.4% ABV (2/08)
Mahogany with a foamy taupe head. Spicy treacle, red fruits and cocoa aromas with a layer of dried fruits and nuts. A rich, supple entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity full body with charred nuts, burnt sugar, mineral and baked raisin flavors. Finishes with a long, bitter chocolate and nut fudge fade. Pair with blue cheeses.
88 Winter Warmer Barleywine, Upland Brewing (IN). 8.5% ABV (2/09)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Aromas of oily cashew butter, caramel and dried apricot follow through on a soft, round entry to a fruity sweet full body with charred nut and singed citrus peel notes. Finishes with a Bananas Foster and baking spice fade with sautéed root veggies underneath. Nice balance and style.
88 Batch 1000 Barley Wine, Upstream Brewing Co. (NE). 9.2% ABV (2/07)
Beautiful deep amber color with a high, frothy taupe head. Wet roasted grain, dried fruit and cinnamon brown sugar aromas. A rich, frothy entry leads to moderately sweet, fruity medium-full body of molasses, caramel, apple sauce and cider vinegar. Finishes with a long, sweet golden raisin and mild spicy hop fade. Nice, but a touch cloying.
87 XV Anniversary Barley Wine, Uinta Brewing Co. (UT). 10.4% ABV (3/09)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Subtle aroma of black strap molasses and roasted nuts follow through on a round entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with toffee, hemp rope and burnt rye toast notes. Finishes with a chewy, leafy hop and nut skin fade.
87 Willi Whammer Barleywine, Willimantic Brewing Co. (CT). 10.4% ABV (2/09) %{Brewpub}
Candied orange peel aromas and flavors with a dusty pine and veggie finish.
87 Braveheart Barley Wine, Bastone Brewery (MI). 9% ABV (2/09) %{Brewpub}
Beautiful reddish Sherwood aromas. Mild aromas of nuts, porridge, sour cream and honey follow through on a soft, chewy entry to a dry-yet-fruity full body with baked citrus and spice bark notes. Finishes with bold cocoa and astringent pine bark-like hop fade. A seriously flavorful and bold barley wine.
86 Bareknuckle Barrel Age Barley Wine, Bastone Brewery (MI). 11.2% ABV (2/08) %{Brewpub}
Murky dark brown color with an olive rim. Vibrant butter roasted nut, Ovaltine and brown sugar aromas. A syrupy entry leads to a satiny, barely carbonated and fruity sweet medium-full body of chewy chocolate and caramel-covered dried fruit and nut and Malt-o-Meal flavors with a subtle layer of spice. Finishes with a tangy fade of buttered nuts, chocolate-covered citrus and nut shells. Reminiscent of a sweet, chocolate-spiced nut cake.
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