Big Barleywine - Barrel Aged
Zaftig Brewing Co.

Had on tap. Really nice base flavors, molasses, barley, raisin, vanilla, toffee, then add big barrel presence both in wood and bourbon. Very hot, but has depth that would lead me to believe that aging would be beneficial. Very warm in the feel. Overall a very good ba barleywine with no real weaknesses

 

16.9 ounce/500 ml bottle, Batch #130, bottled 12/2017. Pretty much looks like the same label as their regular Big Barleywine but there's also an additional sticker on the upper part of the bottle that says barrel aged. Served in a Zaftig snifter, the beer pours a dark reddish/brown color with about an inch tan head that fizzled away pretty quickly. Not much lacing. I like the aroma, it's very sweet. The brew smells like brown sugar, molasses, caramel, bourbon, vanilla, dark bread and dark fruit. I think the taste is similar to the aroma, but there's also the addition of some peppery spice, oak and earthy flavors. It's definitely a sweeter tasting barleywine! Barrel is certainly noticeable but not overpowering. Mouthfeel/body is medium/full, it's coating, smooth, a bit syrupy and and easy to drink. Moderate carbonation. Booze is well hidden in this. If you like sweeter tasting barleywines, then I recommend this one. I know I'd like to buy this again! $13.99 a bottle.