Barleywines Es La Vida Bourbon Barrel Aged
Streetside Brewery

Mash Cult/Streetside collaboration. 15.5% abv Barleywine brewed with molasses and aged in Boone County Bourbon barrels ("made by ghosts"). Poured from a wax-dipped bomber bottle (made to resemble a Mexican candle - it even has a wick in the wax) into a MadTree Teku. The pour is dark amber and quite clear with a 2 finger crown that is impressive for a barrel-aged beer. Average retention. Tons of sweet malt, toffee, fresh cake, and vanilla on the nose.

My first thought upon tasting this beer was regret - regret that I had poured myself such a large portion. No way I can finish it! This beer has an incredibly full body and rich flavor. Massive (and I mean MASSIVE) sweet malty notes of toffee and caramel overwhelm the palate up front and never let up. It is quickly accompanied by some faint dark fruit notes and toasted oak, then at mid-palate the bourbon and vanilla kick in and kick the malt sweetness into overdrive. On the back of the palate, there is a tiny bit of alcohol burn that is a welcome detraction from all the rich sweet goodness. It leaves a taste lingering behind like caramel-iced poundcake dipped in bourbon sauce.

Best English Barleywine I've had since Bourbon County Barleywine. A malt-lovers delight. Tons of rich sweet flavors all mingled together and fighting for supremacy. One word of warning - this is not a beer to be consumed by one person. This bomber could easily be enjoyed by 3-4 people.