Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale (2014)
Stone Brewing

Picked up from a local liquor store on 4-21-23, storage conditions unknown. Poured into a tulip glass.

Look - I'm traditionally a fairly heavy pourer. No different this time around. I didn't expect a rich 11.6% alcohol to have such an aggressive head. Gorgeous deep amber body clouded by some particulate. Head is a creamy latte foam color and consistency, very tight and smooth bubbles, sticks around giving its own little Midwestern Goodbye. Lacing clings on like its life depends on it. As the head settles down, I pour more in, and I'm mesmerized by the turbulence of the newly arrived beer, showing off with its well-choreographed dance.

Smell - Surprisingly gentle. Air of sweet malt, the joys of standing in a bakery right at opening, complimented with a little floral bouquet and a healthy dollop of resinous pine. Smells the way a room with wood panel walls and green shag carpet looks.

Taste - Hot diggity dog, what a treat. Right out the gate, we're greated with sweet yeasty joy, like a fresh caramel roll. Consistently with every sip, we roll gently into a tongue-tickling herbal bitterness. Somewhat like a fresh early spring flower still blanketed by last autumn's decay. Brussels sprouts on the burp oddly.

Feel - Very smooth, very creamy, very delightful. Miniscule carbonation and a massive body. Reminds me of the texture of milk. A warm blanket for your mouth. Also absolutely no negatives from the high alcohol percentage, it's quite mellow in that regard.

Overall - It's odd. Generally, when I find a beer that I like this much, I'm very actively engaged in the drinking process and take the time to analyze and savor every sip. This business is so tasty that I just dug right in and went to town. Entrancing in its beauty. Simply delicious. Everything about this beer reminds me of why I got so interested in beer to begin with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8/23/18 This is so smooth and delicious. Sarsaparilla cream. Dig the rich character and Matt A.’s favorite touch of anise.

 

This is the 2014 release of Old Guardian, one that clocked in at 11.6%, which has been aging in my cellar for some 3 years before being served in my favorite Chimay chalice. Brilliant garnet in color, almost clear except for the bubbles suspended in the body, with medium chestnut head that falls relatively quickly. Rich, raisiny aroma. Rum cake. Flavor is big and boozy, but outstandingly smooth. Caramel and molasses coat my palate before being chased away by a serious dose of pine tar bitterness -- necessary to combat what must be a considerable amount of sugar left in solution here. The flavor is strong, with grain and prunes and raisins. But it's relatively well balanced, and doesn't betray the last third or so of that 11.6% ABV. Yes, this barleywine is a nice way to get good and toasted.

Bottle shared from a friend. Pours a darker orangish color with white head. Dark fruits, caramel, bread, and some alcohol on the nose; follows onto the palate. Medium bodied. Finishes with dark fruits and caramel.

Poured from 22 oz bottle into snifter. Bottled on 1/24/14.
A: Pours a clear golden amber hue with 1 inch off white head of thick foam. Good retention.
S: Sweet caramel malt, grain, bourbon, and hints of almonds, molasses, pine resin, and leather. Good aroma from over a foot away...potent stuff.
T: Sweet caramel malt, bourbon, molasses, leather, sweet tobacco, pine resin, and a hint of citrus. With warming, a hint of cinnamon and other warming spices comes forward.
M: Medium-heavy body. Smooth and velvety feel. Coats the tongue and doesn't let go with excellent lingering and maturing on the palate. Still a good alcohol burn and still a good amount of hop bitterness.
D: This one cellared very well and is still going very strong! Perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness...still a solid barley wine but with a nice hop kick. Excellent for style!

Side note and kudos to Stone: I bought two bottles of their beer from their spot in the SD airport a couple years back. Unfortunately one wasn't capped well and spilled out on the plane when I had it on its side tucked under the seat. I contacted Stone to let them know and they not only agreed to replace the bottle, but they also delivered it to a local brewery near me...and threw this gem in for free. This is the definition of going above and beyond! Well done, Stone...fan for life.

 

Bought On-Line
22 oz. Bomber
Bottled On: 04/24/14?

Three years on this brew!

Poured into a goblet a very nice dark copper color, very nice carbonation, with a pretty nice thick/creamy one-finger tan head, which leaves some pretty nice small islands and sticky lacing left behind. The nose is malty, with some nice hop notes, slight citrus, and some spiceyness. The taste is very nice hoppy, malty, with some nice citrus going on. Full Body, ABV hidden very well, nice complex brew. Overall, a very tasty brew, always a joy to have this brew on hand. A Classic!