British-Style Barleywine (For Andre The Giant)
Zebulon Artisan Ales

 

A: Pours a clear deep mahogany in color with moderate amounts of active visible carbonation rising from the bottom of the glass and moderate amber + garnet red + ruby red + chestnut brown + dark golden yellow colored highlights. The beer has a three finger tall dense creamy foamy tan head that slowly reduces to large patch of thick film covering the entire surface of the beer and a thick ring at the edges of the glass. Significant amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate to strong aromas of toasted + roasted + caramel + toffee + biscuit malts with moderate amounts of caramel + toffee + molasses + brown sugar sweetness. Hints of smokiness along with light to moderate aromas of light fruit (pear + white grape) yeastiness and light aromas of herbal + earthy hops.

T: Upfront there are moderate to strong flavors of toasted + roasted + caramel + toffee + biscuit malts with moderate amounts of caramel + toffee + molasses + brown sugar sweetness. That is followed by some hints of smokiness and light to moderate flavors of light fruit (pear + white grape) yeast. Finally there are light flavors of herbal + earthy hops which impart a moderate amount of lingering bitterness.

M: Just shy of full bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Smooth with a light to moderate amount of dryness in the finish and a light amount of alcohol warming.

O: Drinks quite easily considering the strength and the alcohol is well hidden (with the exception of some slight warming in the mouthfeel) and a pleasantly smooth + dry mouthfeel. Very enjoyable with lots of malt complexity and some pleasant earthy + herbal bitterness. Definitely a slow sipper but perfect on a fall evening.

Appearance: Pours a clear amber color with a two finger ecru head; sheets of lacing cling to the glass

Smell: Rich caramel with a slightly smoky element; earthy and fruity hop tones complement

Taste: Rich caramel with stone fruit flavors developing; earthy hop bitter tones balance the sweeter elements; the smokey element in the aromatics arrives, after the swallow, but is not particularly strong; there is also a medicinal tone in the aftertaste

Mouthfeel: Full bodied with moderate carbonation; warmth in the gullet

Overall: I am a big fan of English Barleywines and this one strikes many of the right keys; not crazy about the aftertaste, however