Old Ruffian Barley Wine
The ghost of Jhonn Balance is about us tonight, I can tell you... Pours out a super deep and rich ruby crimson with a frothy and billowing off white and light light brown head. This works itself down slowly but reamins with us in a light form, looking a bit like creme brulee. Very impressive. Nose gives off some very distinct and centred piney-ness with phenols and warm caramel aromas. In the same league nose-wise as Stone Double Bastard and Old Guardian '05. Oh yes indeedy this is a barleywine. The palate gives us that immense Great Divide creaminess out of which arise bittersweet tones, caramel, stewed peaches, sweet fig tart, grapefruit, citrus peel, and slight alcohol giving way to an immense bitter-sweet and then bitter. However, it's all so rounded and lovely, so nicely put together. This is definately "young", however, and I would seriously like to try this brew after it had been aged awhile. This is definately a barleywine for aging. Good now, yes, but it will be even better in a few years. Wish I had had some gorgonzola cheese to go along with this beauty. (Music: Coil "...and the ambulance died in his arms")