5th Anniversary Barleywine
No Label Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

I haven't had a lot of the No Label beers, but was eager to give this a try. It's finally cool enough to sip a barleywine in San Antonio so I figured I'd open it up tonight.

Pours a dark amber color with little head and no lace. Sort of a musty aroma; slightly buttery and nutty at the same time. Oddly familiar but then again, not familiar at all. The taste is funky. Strong hop presence, but not necessarily in a good way. It overpowers the malty sweetness I like to associate with most barleywines. Very boozy on the back-end, with a strong hoppy/funky aftertaste. I kept waiting for the flavors to emerge more and coalesce as the beer warmed to room temperature, but it didn't happen.

This is the first beer in a long time I've given straight 3s across the board to. I almost dipped into the 2s as well, but wasn't sure it was that bad. It's not the worst beer in the world, but I honestly feel they could re-visit this recipe a bit. A few tweaks and it might produce a better result. Cheers.

 

My bottle claims 11.4% ABV, not the 8% listed. 22 oz bomber pours a hazed, dark copper color with a small tan head. Modest lacing and retention.

Nose is caramel, buttered popcorn and butterscotch. Me thinks this has some flaws, but lets see how it tastes. Has some hops in there, leafy and earthy.

Taste is hoppier than expected, leafy and bitter. Malts show mostly caramel, but unfortunately more butterscotch in the flavor and doesnt meld well with the rest of the beer. The alcohol is a bit harsh and just..not very good. Not quite drain pour, but I sure am glad I am splitting this with the Ms. C'mon No Label - get it together man.