Brahma Barley Wine
Farmstrong Brewing Company

Body is a rich chestnut colour. Hints of ruby at the edges when held up to the light. Head swells initially to a luxurious finger or so of pale khaki head. After the initial swell it settles in to a generous fluffy ring and broad coverage cross the head of the liquid.

Nose invites a great blend of leather and tobacco and heavy fig. I think it may be one of the figgier beers I've had. Initially almost tart, but as it warms this mellows out and takes on an almost woody character. Some light caramel and raisin and mildl grassy hops. Very faint hint of alcohol.

Super rich caramel and earthy tobacco and leather. Fudgy richness that's not as chocolate forward as that descriptor may suggest, but it's in that arena and it's the quality of the thing. Nary a hint of alcohol for nearly 11%, except maybe a faint spice to the finish...
Finish is earthy and bitter.

Incredibly smoothe. Rich without being thick, it's just smoothe and incredibly easy to drink. The further into the glass I get the more impressed I am.

I wasn't entierly sure what to expect going in, but this just captures everything I love in a barleywine and executes masterfully. I only grabbed the one bottle, but the next time I'm at the store I'll be looking to grab another one to lay down and see how it transforms over time.

Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark reddish brown with a fine, half finger khaki head with great retention and nice lacing. Aroma of biscuit and lightly caramel malt, raisins and dates; lightly musty. Flavor is biscuit malt with a hint of caramel, dates, figs and raisins with a touch of hops in the finish, which is malty. Medium bodied with light to moderate creaminess and nice mouth feel. Brahma leans more towards the biscuit malt style of English barleywine, rather than either the dark fruit English or the light, IPA influenced American styles. This is a more uncommon type of barleywine, but one I have a great fondness for, and this is a nice one. Malt is king here, rich and deep, but with lots of dark dried fruit notes. I'm not sure how this style ages, but I think I'm going to find out. I think this will keep nicely.