Barbarian Honey Ale
Bluegrass Brewing Co. - East St. Matthew's

 

 

 

Pours a clear deep brown with tawny highlights and a frothy khaki head that leaves sheets of lacing as it slowly dissipates.

Floral notes abound in the aroma, with lots of honey sweetness balancing nicely. Hints of Orange pith accompany rose petals.

Flavor is a huge contrast. The balance is bitter and earthy, along with a slight sourness that reminds me of old malt.

Body is moderate, with light carbonation and substantial alcohol warmth.

The aroma was far more enjoyable than the flavor. That tart note was somewhat offputting, though the dates and raisins that surface in the aftertaste are redeeming.

And now with the depth of character that only 24 months can provide, the well cellared Barbarian Honey Ale from 2012 hosts deep honey flavor and dry sherry character for a highly complex but dangerously drinkable ale.

With its golden-rusty hue, the darken elixir carries a swirling creme of foam to entice the nose and early palate. As it simmers, dark fruits of red grape, prune, plum, raisin and bruised oranges waft about, settling into a candied taste to greet the early palate.

As the ale develops richness over the middle, tangy sherry wine unleashes notions of port and rum, but with a drier feel. Savory tones last longer with glimpses of teryaki and soy sauce and offer up a mild briny taste along with those earthy dark dried fruits.

Much drier and drinkable than expected, the distinctive ale finishes with mild alcohol warmth that's covered by honey and fruit. Though savory tones linger deep in finish, its almost powdery texture keeps the ale light even with its low lying carbonation that allows for complete saturation of the tongue.

Barbarian is anything but. Its gentle citrus blossom aroma and taste eludes to the taste of honey but without the associated sweetness of honey. What sweetness is left balances against those aged sherry tones to near perfection.

 

12 ounce bottle, bottled in March 2012. Served in a pint glass, the beer pours a mostly clear amber color with about an inch and a half light tan head that stayed around for a while. There's a decent amount of lacing. Aroma is sweet, it smells like honey, sweet malt, oranges and sweet spices. The brew tastes pretty much just like the aroma, with honey, sweet spices, grapes, and sweet malt all noticeable. Mouthfeel/body is medium, with moderate carbonation. It also goes down easy enough! The alcohol is well hidden. I think it's a solid overall brew, and it's definitely worth trying. $9.49 a six pack.