AleSmith Old Numbskull
First off Alesmith, gets a vote from me as having some of the best bottle designs. Especially with these 750 ml bottles They just look really classy with the simple single color lettering, and bright silver foil on top. Onto to the beer... Pours a dark crystal clear amber color, with a nice head on top. Aromas are of dark fruits, sweet cereal grains, and pine resiny hops. Taste is surprisingly subtler than I expected. But still with a lot of very nice flavors. Definitely tastes like an English Style Barley Wine, with a bit of a San Diego twist. Beer has an overall creamy and caramel malt flavor and feel, along with dark stewed fruit notes. Finish has a pleasant hint of alcohol warmth, and a pine hop like bitterness. But all in all, the malts stand out here. Mouthfeel is about perfect. This beer feels "soft" but is still very full in the mouth. Drinkability is excellent. This is so very easy to sip, and extremely enjoyable. I'd be really interested to see what one of these would taste like with a year or two under it's belt. I am so surprised that this is 11% ABV, it is so well hidden. Overall, a very excellent and well crafted beer. About my only critique, is that I like Barley Wines with a bit more flavor and punch, but this is still a top notch beer in it's style. Alesmith is becoming a new favorite brewery of mine.