Barleywine
Lumberyard Brewing Company

 

Enjoyed at Boulders, into a wine glass.

Deep chestnut-brown. Opaque everywhere except the very edges, where it's a burnt orange to sunset yellow. Very thin, wispy white head.

Very sweet, surprisingly light aroma. Caramel, sugar cookies, maybe some floral hops. Maybe biscuits and cotton candy. A touch of overripe orange.

Cotton candy and caramel mixed with orange peel in the flavor. Tastes more like a good cocktail, very nice orange peel note. Smooth, without even a hint of alcohol.

Very light, massaging bubbles. Big, viscous, sugary medium body. A touch of tongue-numbness.

Not intense like most barleywines. More like a more orange-filled amber ale. Smooth and drinkable.

A - Poured with a small head of white foam on a lightly hazy, amber brown body. The head settles slowly and leaves excellent lace.

S - Thick toffee malt with some caramel and spicy hops.

T - Dense, bready malt up front with caramel and molasses coming up in the middle. Mustardy hops and thick, dark caramel characterize the finish with strong bitterness to balance.

M - Medium thick body, moderate carbonation, and a reasonably dry finish.

D - A reasonably well done American barleywine, though it is a bit sharp, and would probably improve with age.