Barleywine (Eastside Distilling) (Sole Composition Series)
Upright Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottle purchased in February 2013 at the Brewery, served in Duvel Tulip, slightly chilled

It pours dark brown with a lightish brown, toffee colored head which doesn't last very long. When held to the light, it is difficult to see thru it however it appears a very dark, ruby red when held directly in the light. Overall, appears to be a dark brown.

Oak and alcohol come thru immediately upon initial smell. Slight alcohol burning the nostril with undertones of dark fruit and semi-sweet candy sugar

Mouthfeel is thick but not overly thick, normal for a middle of the road Barleywine (not to thick, not too thin) but closer to the thick side.

Taste is of oak, burnt sugar, whiskey, slight sweetness. The middle is dark fruit: date, plum, sugar, sweetness. All that subsides shortly after and the end of the the middle comes into bourbon/whiskey oak and leaves a lingering hotness/slight spice with a sweetness coating the mouth. Finishes slightly dry and sweet with oak and distilled favors.

Overall, I loved it! I was worried about how it would taste as I was unable to try it fresh but I can only guess that it has aged gracefully. Can't determine how it will continue to age, but it's great right now. I think they were $15 each and I wish I had bought more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DrAwkward82 for sharing this one at drewone's tasting.

Bottle # 57/113.

Pours a hazy brown with a foamy khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Small streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, brown sugar, toffee, whiskey, and wood aromas. Taste is much the same with toffee and wood flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of woody bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that has a slightly better barrel presence in the smell.