Barleywine 2009
Legend Brewing Co.

 

 

I don't review too many beers, first off because I don't really think that add much if a beer already has tons of reviews. But this bottle was a special bottle, one from my very first trade with raverjames, who actually is the first person to review this vintage of this beer. Thanks to raverjames for making my first trade a great experience, that has turned into an addicting hobbey. Also, since no one else has reviewed this particular vintage with as much age on it as what I tasted, I thought I would add my two cents.

A: poured a nice reddish brown with a think head that disappeared fairly quickly

S: sweet malts, caramel, honey, raisins, and a bit of alcohol

T: very sweet up front, but smooth, not hot at all, but there is definitely a warmness about it, more dark fruit from the middle to end

M: medium with nice carbonation

O: a really nice barleywine

After reading some of the reviews below, I'm really glad that I put some age on this, although, it would have been good to taste this fresh as well. Whatever hop profile was there when it was fresh, is gone now.

 

I'm disappointed that more people haven't reviewed this, and that I never revisited my '04 review. I don't review much anymore, but since I was the only person to review '04, I feel the need to review every vintage of this I have from now on.

I don't live in Richmond anymore, so this was an awesome gift from my cousin back in '09. Enough backstory.

A: Somewhat of a murky ruby red color with the beginnings of a head around the edge of my Caracole tulip, but no real head to speak of.

S: Very subdued. Some dark fruits, a hint of alcohol, a slight hint of cherry.

T: Very, very, very smooth. No alcohol burn at all, a fruity sweetness up front and sugary sweetness in the finish. Dries out nicely soon after swallowing. Fruits, dominated by a dark cherry flavor.

M: Again, smooth. A good level of palate cleansing carbonation, not overdone. Surprisingly doesn't becoming cloying.

This is a superb Barleywine. 15.3% abv? Bullshit. Well, I believe it, but it sure is hidden. Still one of my favorites, makes me miss Richmond a bit. Will have to try to track down a 2010 and make sure I get some 2011. Legend is a great brewery, hands down, no debate.

P.S.: Why does no one review these with age on them? Previous reviews were all fresh, and these fantastic brews absolutely NEED age. Grumble.

I was excited when I saw this brew because I've never seen it anywhere until this Christmas and decided to give it a shot and it was well worth it.
-First off it has a very light head, and it looks like it has almost no carbonation with a dark amber brown color with and it looks right cloudy due to it being unfiltered.

-It smells sweet as fudge maybe a hint of cherry and a little bit of hops. The smell of alcohol is pretty apparent here too, I mean this sucker's 15.3%, probably one of the strongest that have ever touched my palate.

--A little bitter, with a freakin barrel of sweetness. The roasted malts are pretty apparent kind of reminiscent of dark chocolate, but the alcohol taste isn't exactly overwhelming but you will know it's there because near the end it comes on strong.

-There is a VERY distinct bite because of the alcohol prevalence, it's almost a turn off... almost, but certainly not enough to make me not want to drink it. Other than that it's a pretty warm feel like the bottle says.

-This is a drink that kind of forces you to drink it slowly, the strength isn't that bad, but it's way too distinct and hinders its drinkability. This is a beer that will put you on your ass if you don't take the responsibility it demands, I mean just sipping on it is more than enough.

There is a saying that liquor warms the body, but wine warms the soul, this beverage kind of does both. Despite all I want to say to promote my local brewery and what not, this beer is definitely not their best beer, but it most certainly isn't their worst by far. To note, if I had the utilities (and the patience) to age it, I would, and I highly recommend that you do if you can, even though it's already been aged like 6 months, one should probably age it for much longer.

Poured from a 22oz brown bomber into a clear glass snifter. 2009 vintage. Purchased at Beer Run (Charlottesville, VA) for $8.49.

A: Amber-garnet brew with 1/2-finger of off-white bubbly head that dissipates quickly into a thin puddle in the center of the glass. No real lacing to speak of but what can you expect at 15.3%.

S: Malty to beat everything with dark fruits like figs and raisins spinning in a cherry-run haze. Spicy, floral hops provide a great counterpoint in the aroma.

T: The flavor is a tongue-ripper because the hoppiness is very spicy. Malts win out in the end with their fig, date, and currant qualities. Light maple biscuit flavor subtly waft through, and then the berry-like alcohol clubs you into submission. The heat is intense but not off-putting at all, although I think 3-4 years will season this brew very favorably.

M: Chewy and viscous with pretty lively carbonation and a spicy hops and currant-like malty aftertaste.

D: Dangerous brew even in its young state -- I can't imagine how some years will develop this guy into a monster. One of the best values in Virginia beer at the ABV -- sock it away and rediscover what I bet will be a phenomenal brew in a few years.

Wow Legend. Never expected an extreme barleywine from you guys. This will be nice when I finally do a vertical tasting in a few years. Until then..

Yes, its very before its prime. Sweet. Yeasty. Caramel, a bit-o-hops. Its actually tasty the way it is but I can see only good things for celaring it. It is a little boozy but doesnt take your breath away. For the ABV its quite mellow. Drank this with some shaved parm and it was great. Buy 4 or 5 of these and have a few over the next couple of years. Invite me over on year 3!

Just got to Virginia and found this on the shelf at Cork and Keg.

A: Hazy amber with 1 finger white head. Great head retention for a beer of 15% abv.
S: Dark fruits, raisins, and cider.
T: Sweet cidery mess. I mean, it tastes ok, but it is too green. It tastes just like a recent Belgian Strong Dark I brewed. It needs lots of age. If you brew a 15% abv beer with a decent portion of sugar, you need at least a year of aging. There is a hint of Weyerbacher like yeast, but that is not always a good thing.
M: Hot an boozy. Great carbonation, but that may not be the best thing in a beer so green. It doesn't taste like a super strong brew, but it is anything but mellow.
D: Not horrible. I may rip into this beer due to the cider taste, but overall it is pretty drinkable. I am just impressed to see a brew of this strength brewed by a small brewpub. This is a great first attempt at an extreme barleywine by a local brewery. I think if they try this again, a year of aging will make the difference. I know I will be storing some bottles in the cellar. I can't wait to try the other beers by Legend.