Old Ruffian Barley Wine
Served on-tap at Victoria Gastro Pub in Columbia, MD (01/11/10). Served in a 12oz. snifter at a slighty colder than desired temperature, but allowed to warm just slightly. A: Pours a slightly hazy dark copper with a reddish hue. Capped off with a 1.5 finger off-white head with nice retention and lacing. S: Strong hop presence up from with nice citrus and piney tones. A strong sweet caramel malt helps to round out this American Barleywine with notes of toffee. T: Intensely rich flavor with pine and citrus hops hitting the palate first and quickly engulfed in a caramel/toffee malt. This is a big, yet well-balanced beer. The hops add a bit of bitterness and some grassy qualities into the finish. M: Full-bodied and oily with creamy mouthfeel and low carbonation. D: Very well-balanced, but still extremely intense. The 10.2% abv. is hidden quite well, but it is still there. Overall I have had this beer several times from the bottle and I must say that this on-tap version is the way to drink the beer. The mouthfeel is much thicker and creamy as well as a more abundant hop profile. Don't get me wrong, you can't go wrong either way, but on-tap has the edge. Another great beverage from Great Divide. Recommended.