Anniversary Ale
Barley John's Brew Pub

With my really awful uncarbed growlers I bought, I had to give this beer another try. Had it ontap this time.

Poured into an oversized snifter, producing almost 2 inches of light brown head. Slow to recede, leaving quite a bit of froth and thin streaks of lace.
Color is black now, no light penetration. I assume this is due to the much larger diameter glassware I'm using. As opposed to the thinner pint glass.

Aroma is filled with a black treacle like molasses aroma. Some alcohol fumes in there too, along with sweet malt, a hint of spice and some dark fruit. Bordering a fermented fruit aroma.

Mouthfeel is full bodied and creamy with carbonation throughout. A little slick, but finishing clean.

Taste is picking up just a touch of molasses, dark fruits, a bit warm, not hot, but definatly noticeable alcahol warmth. Some mild chocolate and a touch of smokey flavors. This is definatly not like any red ale I've ever had. The beer itself is decent, but seems to lack somthing, its not flowing well and does not follow the style at all.
So for the sake of reviewing by style, this beer scores poorly. However it is not a terrible beer at all. Its definatly interesting and tasty. I would have another.

Originally reviewed March 21, 2007. On tap at the brewpub. Light smoky tooth aroma, with some meaty grain and wafting brown sugars. Reddish ochre pour, with creamy tan head. Sweet barnyard ester flavors, rich with hazelnut toast, fried breads and glowing wheat cream cereal, hot. A lot more flavor than I expected from and Irish. Has a good deal of vibrant fruits from plum juice to reduced blood orange, mingling with the heavy hand of malt. Hops float over the background. Nicely attenuated and creates a drinkable sensation over oakiness. Smacks clean. Nicely done.

Finally getting to this beer from the Felonious one!!
Pouring from chilled growler to pint glass, the beer pours a very dark mahogany color, very little lite passes through the glass. A small (1 cm) fluffy beige head foams up after a fairly aggressive pour. The head fades gradually to a thin surface layer.

Aroma is chocolate and caramel maybe a bit of brown sugar. Not quite as robust on the nose as I expected.

This is an Irish Red?? So far very appealing but question the style clarification. But I mostly score/review to my overall impression of the beer not neccessarily to judgin standards.

Back to the pint.
First sip reveals a smooth creamy textured beer with very fine rolling carbonation. Almost like a cask ale.

Flavor is lightly sweet caramel up front with a bit of a grassy hop middle that mixes with some chocolate here too.
The finish is interestingly enough roasted malt and coffee notes. Slightly drying and a little bitter. I also seem to detect a very faint anise flavor on the rims of my gums after each swallow.
Now I dont really care for black licorice, but this flavor is so mild and actually goes nicely with the coffee and chocolate. I keep wanting to take another sip every time I put the glass down. A good sign for sure!
A very drinkable smooth ale that I am enjoying quite a bit. I dont taste or feel the alcohol yet, but imagine that after the growler in front of me I might.

ANother tasty treat from MN from Felonious!!

Doesn’t look like an Irish Ale, doesn’t smell, doesn’t taste, but that’s what they call it... Very dark, muddy brown, slim cocoa-colored head. Aroma is toasty, rich malty, never sweet, rather dry, actually..deep and dark. Taste: Luscious, dark fruits, tangy, mahogany feel, little hops, thick malt, but never a predominant sweetness, not cloying, not sweet...an interesting creation, and very tasty. Some caramel and carob...the more I taste, the more I like it...very tasty. Cheers to more years of Barley John’s!