Oak Aged Barley Wine Ale
Nashoba Valley Brewery

If memory serves me right, the little sign they had next to the shelf at the brewery/winery was that this is the winter of '04-'05 barleywine that was aged in a wine cask for a couple of months. Unfortunately I cannot remember the type of wine cask.

Poured a red color, very much like cranberry juice. Jut a hint of brown in the color. Light pokes through but it is more of a glow than anything else. Relatively thin head at first that quickly dissipitated down completely except for a ring around the edges of the glass. Little spots of lace intermittent around the interior. Nose is very rich but not overpowering. Lots of malts and a hint of mint. Hops are slightly present. Something else too that maes me think of rock sugar candy,

Flavor is wonderfully nice. Rich, sweet and smooth. Sugar candy gives way to a red cherry sweetness. Malts are thick and a bit cloying. Hops are extremely light and slightly minty. Not particularly bitter. Rather tea-like. The cherry is very fruit-like and I am very happy to find that it is not in the least medicinal. Marachino cherries. There is a slight woodiness that contributes a bit of a dry feel. Mouthfeel is a bit watery and thin but seems appropriate. Makes this beer feel like a light wine. Slihgtly crispy. Very drinkable and an interesting take on the style.