Barleywine
Aardwolf Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

1.5 finger tan head with excellent lacing on a very dark brown with only a small tinge if light getting through. Aroma of blackberries, blueberries, toffee, brown sugar, cola and oak. One of the more interesting aromas I have experienced for a black ale or barleywine. Flavor follows with even greater complexity but still excellent with the creamy malty feel and flavors more on the roasted side than caramel end as you have with a barleywine yet the roast and earthy hop presence of a black IPA. Throw in the barrel aging and tasting this beer becomes even more difficult to breakdown and pick out each flavor. Notes include sweet orange finish with more of a tart tangerine up front, with oak and bourbon. Full body and moderate carbonation. Very complex and really doesn't fit a single category. I may like some of the beers from this brewery more than this one but I haven't had one this complex.