Ankle Biter 2004
Broad Ripple Brew Pub

Pours a deep ruby with a whispy white head that leaves behind some patches of lace. Aroma is a mixture of caramel, malt, and a touch of coffee. Flavor mixes malt, toffee, caramel, chocolate, and some mild grassy hops... begins sweet and sticky, and finishes with just a touch of bitterness and a warm alcohol burn. Body is full and sryupy, with low carbonation. I think this one would be excellent with a little bit of age.

Deep mahogany color with a substantial, egg shell white head.

Nose big on caramelized malt, toffee, chocolate and alcohol.

Profound in the taste department, with big notes of toffee and caramel, chocolate, mildly bitter hops and a rush of alcohol on the finish.

Smooth, mildly carbonated mouthfeel. A bit of creaminess lingers, as well.

A half pint is far from a chore to drink. An attractive, well-done winter warming barleywine and an impressive creation from the Broad Ripple Brewpub. I would like to see how a beer like this would mature in a bottle over the course of a couple years. Go Broad Ripple!

From a sampler: This is the 2nd beer so named for the birth of one of the brewer's sons. This year's batch is the same dark amber color but with virtually no head where last year's was very thick. No lacing either. The aroma is heady and sweet with malt and caramel. The body is rich and smooth, with a well-balanced blend of malt, caramel, chocolate and toffee flavors. The finish is rich and sweet with a touch of hops. This batch is a little better than the 2003 version in my opinion.