Rude Awakening
Torn Label Brewing Co.

 

Hazy orange with a thin veil of skim and spotty foam.
Aroma is nice, baked apples, marzipan, bourbon, fresh dill.
Taste is a little more boozy, bourbon and caramel apple.
Bitter dry oak tannins in the aftertaste, slight hop bitterness.
The residual bitterness wipes out any perceptible sweetness.
Medium bodied and plenty boozy, but stops short of harshness.
Overall this was pretty enjoyable, though best shared.

Pours a turbid brown that is slightly darker than a plate of butter chicken. Head is fizzy and only lasts for seconds. What does form in way of the head is khaki in color. Surprisingly, a few rings of lacing are left behind at the start of the beer. Aroma is a bit boozy, with notes of bourbon, and rye whiskey. Otherwise, sweet caramel malts, and molasses hit the nose. Flavor profile is molasses, caramel, toffee, with toasted malts. Bourbon, with a little rye spice hit in the back, and linger for a long while. It's not boozy at all, despite what the aroma may suggest. Mouth feel is nearing velvety, just a touch of fizz to break up the creamy feel. It's medium-thick. Overall, a delightful barrel aged barleywine. It's not overly sweet, nor is it overly boozy. It carries itself well, delivering a nice smattering of notes without being overreaching.

Served in a 12oz snifter from a 22oz bottle.