Glass Hammer Barley Wine
Triumph Brewing Company

 

 

On tap at Triumph, Philly, PA

I wasn't a huge fan of barleywines when I first had this one, but I still found this pretty enjoyable. (Of course I've become much more of a fan of the style since then.) Poured into a tumbler, a dark, reddish-brown with a small, dense, beige head that dissipated to a patchy layer of bubbles. Aroma thick with dark sugars, dark fruit, and diacetyl notes. Taste is rich with buttery toffee, raisins, black cherries, with an alcohol twinge appropriate for a 10% brew. Thick and flavorful, full-bodied, with a pleasant aftertaste. A nice offering overall.

Had from tap into a small label-less snifter. Results in a very dark maroonish color with a nice thick but not huge off white head. Now, it was dark in the bar area, so I may be slightly off with the color. Head is very creamy, and lacing is excelent and sticky.

Aroma is very sweet and inviting. Slightly malty, picking up the booze no problem. Some dark fruits.

Flavor is great. A perfect comparison of sweetness and hops. On one end, you have the very calming sweetness that's a joy to your palate, but then complimented with the 2nd wave of hops. Booze is not overwhelming, but definitely there. Creamy and medium mouthfeel. Very good beer...barlywine.