Bommen & Granaten - Walnoot
Brouwerij De Molen

 

Pours an almost clear, deep, dark amber coloration with a medium, fluffy head. Smells of sweet, bready, caramel malt, toffee, dark/red fruits and a strong walnut presence. Taste follows the nose, being quite dominated by sticky sweet bready, caramel malt, toffee and walnuts, with some red/dark fruit notes of redcurrant, strawberry, fig and raisin coming through as well, and just a hint of resinous, bitter hops. Finishes with a light sweetness and bitterness, as well as some caramel malt, red fruits and walnuts lingering in the aftertaste. Full mouthfeel with a medium/rich body and light/medium carbonation.

I'm not usually a huge fan of Barelywines, but I quite enjoyed this due to the good balance of sticky sweet and resinous, bitter notes, as well as the quite distinct walnut presence that never feels too artificial despite extract being used here, with lighter notes of res and dark fruit as well. Quite an American Barleywine to be sure.