Blithering Idiot
Poured from a 12oz year old bottle. I have had many fresh, but wanted to review an older bottle. Looks great in my snifter. Dark red with a white head. Tight bubbles that fade but a light swirl gets it right back. Smells great. Sweet, which you want from a barleywine, but I also get some alcohol and toffee. Taste: Wat can I say? I love this beer fresh but put a little age on it and you have a sublime beer. The rough edges are subdued and you have an overall smoother beer, with caramel, toffee, candy apple, etc... All the things I want from a barleywine. Mouthfeel is great. Coats my mouth and the drinkability is high but I couldn't have a bunch because of the ABV. This is a go-to for me. I can get this fresh, but I prefer some age on it. I'd rather have this over Monster or Old Horizontal. The only few that trump this are Bigfoot and Flying Mouflan. The low rating is probably based on fresh tastings, and it should be aged a bit.