Stephen Barleywine Ale
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

 

 

 

12 oz bottle into a snifter

I went into this blind, and my first impression was ‘old school BA barleywine’. It’s smoothed out from oak aging and blending, but it’s got that punchy grainy note that always reminds me of booze-soaked harvest bread, characteristic of a classic barleywine.

There’s a bit of a buttery toffee note as the sip closes, but it has a medium, relatively dry finish. Medium complexion, light for the style. Super tasty.

Pours dark brown or black in color with a thin tan head that surrounds the glass, but no real lacing. Nose is burnt caramel or toffee or tobacco. Taste sweet caramel. Backend is slight tobacco flavors with the caramel as well. Slight bitterness and good warmth.

Stephen Barleywine Ale has a thin, beige head and a dark-brown appearance, with no lacing. The aroma is of purple raisins and dark bread crust. The flavor is similar, with a touch of bourbon barrel. Sweetness is moderate and bitterness is low. Firestone Stephen Barleywine Ale is medium bodied, with a dry finish. Barley wine?

RJT

With a point blank light, it's murky brown, no head.

Booze and sweet malt.

Thin, mainly alcohol but not hot or pronounced. I found a mile better out of the tap. Hints of maple, sugar cookie, nothing bitter or floral.

Lightest body.