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.
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 Old Crustacean Barley Wine, Rogue Ales (OR) 2006. 11.5% ABV (3/10)
Deep copper mahogany color. Rich aromas of chocolate mousse, salty cracker and raisin purée follow through on a supple, silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity full body with waves of roasted citrus, nuts and peppery spice. Finishes with a long pinecone, cocoa and pepper fade.
93 Mirror Mirror Barleywine, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 11% ABV (3/10)
Rich aromas of peach marmalade, chocolate phosphate and honeyed raisin bread have a spicy edge and follow through on a round, supple entry to a fruity-yet-dry full body with waved of chocolate-roasted nuts, frittata and grilled citrus. Finishes with a long, lush fruity malt and piney citrus hop fade. Big and brawny, yet graceful.
92 Skullsplitter Barleywine, Orkney Brewery (Scotland). 8.5% ABV (3/10)
Rich aromas of apricot buttercream, brown sugar and pralines follow through on a supple, satiny entry to a fruity medium-full body with great depth and balance. Finishes with a long, fruity, malt driven fade with nuances of custard, roasted nuts, dried citrus and earth. A fantastically complex and highly drinkable barley wine.
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 serving 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 veggies underneath. Nice balance and style.
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 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 nutskin fade.
87 Braveheart Barley Wine, Bastone Brewery (MI). 9% ABV (2/09) %{Brewpub}
Beautiful reddish cherry wood 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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