Take It To The Limit
Half Moon Bay Brewing Co.

 

 

 

A very interesting and distinctive barleywine, coming through more English than American. Caramel and black tea on the nose, with pralines, fudge, and grape on the palate. The finish is a bit sharp, revealing the 14.5% abv. I imagine it would age well.

 

The overall score on this one really doesn't do this beer justice. This is one of the most impressive beers for the style & especially ABV I've ever had. The nose is very nice but restrained just a bit. Caramel, toffee & dark cherry and a woody malt thing going on. This carries over even better in the taste. No one flavor overpowers the other. Extremely well executed and balanced. Now to the mouthfeel. Holly Schitt! Absolutely no booze detected at all. This drinks so smooth and easy for the style, let alone the ABV. Never in my life have I had a 14% beer mask the booze like this while not suffering somewhere. Not at all cloying, and not all all too sweet. Nice big barleywine that finishes semi dry. Dangerous for that reason, but dangerously good, start to finish as well. The last three beers I've had from HMB Brewing (reviewed) have all been world class. Highly recommended.