Old Ruffian Barley Wine
Right off you can tell you're in for something special here; a beautiful red amber color and a HUGE foamy white head, which seems to last forever. It left amazing lacing on the snifter. The nose was impressive; very flowery, hints of caramel, alcohol, yeasts, sweet malts and something akin to chocolate or coffee. Alcohol is definitely present, but masked very well behind a wonderful almost burnt caramel taste, with a bombardment of hops and yeasts. Roasted malt in there as well. I need to emphasize a great stab at balance here. The only reason I give the drinkability a 4 is that if you drink a whole 1 pt 6 oz bottle you'll be three sheets to the wind without knowing it (all the while having a smile on your face) Definitely one of my favs from Great Divide, and one of the better Barleywines I've ever had.