On A Whim
Brouwerij Frontaal

Pours a deep mahogany coloration that turns amber when held up to the light, with a large creamy head. Smells of bready, caramel malt and zesty citrus notes, as well as just a hint of red berries and dark fruit as well. Taste is a great balance of bready, caramel malt and bitter, resinous hops, with notes of toffee and orange zest dominating, as well as lighter red/dark fruit notes of redcurrant, plum and raisin and jujst a hint of pine. Finishes with a medium bitterness and some toffee and orange zest lingering in the aftertaste. Smooth mouthfeel with a medium/rich body and medium carbonation.

This is quite an American Barleywine that is dominated by rather fruity/zesty and bitter/resinous notes, while still being nicely balanced by some sweet'ish, caramel malt and red/dark fruits as well. Personally, I can rather enjoy this for what it is, although it may be too zesty and bitter for purists looking for an English example of the style.

Collaboration with Dugges Bryggeri.