Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale (2006)
Stone Brewing

Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale (2006)Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale (2006)
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From:
Stone Brewing
 
California, United States
Style:
American Barleywine
ABV:
11.2%
Score:
92
Avg:
4.14 | pDev: 9.18%
Reviews:
161
Ratings:
193
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Apr 13, 2015
Added:
Mar 02, 2006
Wants:
  8
Gots:
  9
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by scottoale:
Photo of scottoale
Reviewed by scottoale from California

4.48/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
I truly must say, this is the best "Old Guardian" so far! The 650ml brown bomber silkscreened label (all Stone labels are s/s, no paper) states: "Limited Early 2006 Release" as well as "11.26 Alc. Vol." Think this stuff is strong ? You'ld better believe it !

Pours a deep, brilliant copper color with a one-finger, off-white head. The head deminishes rather quickly, perhaps the alcohol helps dissolve it, yet it has a nice delicate lacing.

First wiff is much like every OG I've had in the past, nothing really jumps out at you, just the usual good, some what sweet malty goodness with a mild hopping in the background. To me it pretty much smells the same, sniff after sniff, year after year. It just doesn't smack you in the nose like Bigfoot does, but that's ok.

The flavor however is much tastier and balanced from the previous years. It's smoother and not as chewy. It's just a grand malt expirience balanced perfectly by the hops, with a $hit load of alcohol blending the two. The finish is warm and tasty, a bit sweet. but not too sweet. I couldn't say for sure how well "Old Guardian" ages as I haven't ever cellered any. Outside of the alcohol being a bit pronounced, it really doesn't need to mellow and with the carbonation being a bit on the low side I say drink it now. Think I'll have another (this is plentiful here) and suggest you do the same, if you like strong American barleywine !!!

Cheers !
Mar 04, 2006
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.22 by jbwimer from Kansas

Apr 13, 2015
 
Rated: 3.69 by McMatt7 from Pennsylvania

Mar 09, 2015
 
Rated: 4.54 by Petegrieco from Massachusetts

Jan 13, 2015
 
Rated: 4.43 by Masters from Massachusetts

Jan 13, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by aquazr1 from California

Nov 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by zestar from California

Jul 19, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by BigV from California

Jul 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by 2beerdogs from California

Dec 29, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by moonknight31 from California

Jul 24, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by WOLFGANG from South Carolina

Jul 08, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by jaxon53 from Connecticut

Jul 07, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by mikeincharleston from North Carolina

May 13, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by cadaugherty from Illinois

May 08, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by jvillefan from California

Apr 07, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by t0rin0 from California

Feb 25, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by Budinetz from Pennsylvania

Feb 04, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by Robdrinx from Maryland

Nov 11, 2012
Photo of UCLABrewN84
Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California

4.24/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to queens1130 for sharing this one at AndrewK’s tasting.

Pours a murky dark orange with a foamy beige head that settles to wisps of film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace slowly drip into the remaining beer on the drink down. Smell is of malt, brown sugar, caramel, and citrus zest. Taste is much the same with an alcohol kick on the finish. There is a mild hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a very good beer that is tasty and has aged really nicely in my opinion.
Oct 29, 2012
 
Rated: 4.25 by beerpadawan from California

Aug 27, 2012
Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale (2006) from Stone Brewing
Beer rating: 92 out of 100 with 193 ratings