30th Anniversary - Jack & Ken's Ale
Made the mistake of thinking I had picked up the Imperial Stout, what a happy mistake that was! Especially since I wouldn't normally care much for barleywines and may not have picked it up had I known. A: 22oz bottle poured into a Duvel Tulip. Opaque brown-black pour with a full creamy dark khaki head. Almost a stained-glass red around the edges. S: Pleasantly hoppy for a barleywine, I like this take on the style. The balance of piney hops and the dark roasted malts is excellent. Quite noticeable alcohol on the nose will probably age this into perfection, too bad I don't have another to try with. T: Mind blowing. Roast barley, piney hop bitterness, malt sweetness, coffee, and alcohol all manage to be balanced, but not so far as to be muddled. Each flavor is distinct and appreciated. F: Full, slightly creamy feel with light carbonation with an alcohol warmth that isn't overpowering. D: Outstanding for the style, the only thing that could improved about it would be fixed by adding some age to it to mellow the alcohol out a little. Two years on this would be just about right in my opinion.