John Barleycorn - Bourbon Barrel Aged
Mad River Brewing Company

John Barleycorn - Bourbon Barrel AgedJohn Barleycorn - Bourbon Barrel Aged
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From:
Mad River Brewing Company
 
California, United States
Style:
American Barleywine
ABV:
12.5%
Score:
92
Avg:
4.19 | pDev: 10.02%
Ratings:
42 | reviews: 14
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Apr 03, 2025
Added:
Nov 14, 2010
Wants:
  19
Gots:
  4
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by NickThePyro:
Photo of NickThePyro
Rated by NickThePyro from Washington

4.25/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Oct 09, 2018
More User Ratings:
Photo of CoasterRider
Reviewed by CoasterRider from Washington

4.75/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
The only thing I remember about this beer is the name. From the rating I gave it, it must have been great beer. I really like bourbon barrel aged beers and this is really good.
Apr 03, 2025
 
Rated: 4.21 by kaseydad from California

Feb 03, 2019
 
Rated: 4 by Houser from Pennsylvania

Jun 18, 2015
 
Rated: 4.21 by myuncle from Illinois

Mar 20, 2015
Photo of Fatehunter
Reviewed by Fatehunter from Oregon

3.85/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a half finger of head on a hazy dark brown body.
The aroma is caramel, candy, wood, floral and burnt wood. Nice.
The taste is pretty sweet, grainy and caramel.
The texture is smooth with low carbonation.
Quite enjoyable.
Mar 20, 2015
Photo of Act25
Reviewed by Act25 from New Jersey

4.18/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Maybe toward the end of the 10 one-oz flight, at the strongs and the olds and the barley wines - tasted at Mad River - the beers edged better. But John Barleycorn aged in a single bourbon barrel was 1 of my 3 favorites of the 10.

A Hazy copper, clearer than most. The head retains and laces well.

S Ample bourbon on the nose, along with brown sugar sweetness. Mild alcohol, well hidden, and rich. Caramel and vanilla in an almost after dinner liquor experience.

F Rich on palate, bourbon and brown sugar come through strongly. But again, great feel, great finish. Full, almost syrupy body. Finishes with tannic oak, brown sugar and booze.

Must try.
Feb 21, 2015
Photo of Wowcoolman
Rated by Wowcoolman from California

3.77/5  rDev -10%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Man did they use some harsh firewater with this one
Jan 15, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by helios7 from Oregon

Nov 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by zestar from California

Aug 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by robear from Wisconsin

May 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by dmilewsk from Iowa

Nov 15, 2013
 
Rated: 4.75 by Nage37 from California

Sep 14, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by Cyclone8 from Minnesota

Aug 07, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by acurtis from New Jersey

Jul 14, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by drgonzo2k2 from Missouri

Apr 20, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by seanwilson530 from California

Apr 19, 2013
 
Rated: 4.75 by mpit11 from Iowa

Mar 28, 2013
Photo of flexabull
Reviewed by flexabull from California

3.96/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
Pours a dark copper color with a pretty nice off white head.

Aromas are a bit subtle, but pleasant. Roasted nuts, dark fruits, booze, brown sugar and light notes of coconut.

Taste is also subtle, but very flavorful. This beer doesn't knock you over the head with big bold flavors, instead it's refined and balanced. Brown sugar sweetness, roasted nuts, dark booze soaked fruits, and a light boozy bourbon and coconut notes on the finish.

Unfortunately, this beer has thin body, and is lacking a bit of carbonation.

Overall, a very solid BA barleywine. Worth a try if you see it.
Mar 05, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by westcoastbeerlvr from California

Jan 09, 2013