Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale (2008)
Stone Brewing

On tap at Richmond. Hazy copper color, decent lacing. Nose is light and sweet; slightly floral, orange peel, caramel, and toffee. Taste is similar. Orange peel, candied sugar, hints of leather, oxidized hops? Very faint berry and metallic notes. Moderate carb for a barleywine, not much heat.
Very interesting. By far the oldest beer I’ve had. It doesn’t knock my socks off, but for being nearly 20 years old I’m impressed at how good it is.

Holding up very well. Carbonation is still proper. Zero oxidation. Boozy toffee with minimal bitterness. Bottle cellared on its side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottle from the cellar. 2008 vintage, purchased at the Village Pump the first year Stone made it to MD.

A mildly hazy ruby red with a dense, beige head that falls off to a ring leaving little lacing, this looks decent. The nose is still Hoppy with plenty of bitterness and some stale grapefruit juice. A moderate crystal malt character is present with toffee and caramel. Some honey and cotton candy are present. That almond like nuttiness that the better barleywines have is missing here.

The palate opens with a blend of mild bitterness and moderate sweetness. Toffee, oxidized honey, a little paper, and a little bit of sherry are present. Caramel, brown sugar with a touch of stale crystal malt is also present. Sticky sweet and full in body, this beer is mildly carbonated. Alcohol is pretty well hidden, though it does have a pleasing warmth. Carbonation is moderate. The bitterness and sweetness do clash, especially on fresh pours. As it breathes, the bitterness does fade, bringing out the honey, toffee and mildly nougat flavors out front. Decent.