Swarm
Idle Hands Craft Ales

From the 750 ml. bottle with a date of Jul 2017 stamped on the label. Sampled Dec 31, 2019. 2 1/2 years of aging seems appropriate.

The appearance is a slightly murky looking orange-amber color with an off-white head and no lacing.

The aroma is unlike other Barleywines I have had. I pick up the grape and honey that it was brewed with but the malt character is more toasted and bready. No alcohol on the nose.

The body is smooth and better than medium.

The taste does not come across as bold, malty, and rich like a typical Barleywine but the grape character is much more forward than I anticipated. No booze in the taste. A clean and semi-dry finish. This has mellowed I think.

Only the second barleywine I’ve ever tried, and the first blonde. Apparently I really like barleywine. My very non-expert assessment is that it’s comparable to a Belgian. Just with a bit more bitterness ... like an American Ale. But the bitterness is softened with the addition of honey. Per the label there’s also Grape Must in it. I couldn’t identify that flavor. Then again, I have no idea what grape must tastes like, so take that for what it’s worth. An all-around good beer that was perfect for not-quite-summer weather. You’re bound to like it if you’re a fan of Belgians and other blonde/white ales. I’ll leave the more in-depth analysis to real conneisours.

Nearly opaque clover honey color with just a film of head. Aroma of honey. Taste is vinous with some hops and honey. Feel is medium body with a little carbonation. Overall, a good brew to try.

A - Hazy medium gold with soapy white lacing.

S - Has a light cereal grain type of nose with some honey.

T - Light pilsner malt with honey with some pungent white grape.

M - Big medium body.

O - Blonde barley are fun and I enjoy them. The grape must in this beer throws things off a little.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearly no head, and what's there settles to rim bubbles quickly. The liquid, not surprisingly, is the color of honey with a light haze.

Very sweet with definitive honey notes. It smells like a Greek dessert (baklava?). I find this to be very appealing even if it isn't "beer like" .

Rich body to the point where one might describe this as syrupy. Very low carbonation to boot. The beer is extraordinarily sweet light a new barley malt soda. Yet, I find it to be intriguing with a light hop in the background.

A real unusual 'barleywine' in terms of both aroma and flavor. Surprisingly, especially given the hefty addition of honey, flavors are predominantly floral, orange, chamomile, and grain. Mildly sweet with a slightly over the top alcohol presence.