Dirty Love
Hoppy Road

Had on tap. Opaque brown body with a different tint or two on the edges, beige head. Smells captures the calvados barrels right away, soaking the caramel, barley, raisin, apple, and touch of earthy spice. Taste has everything but the barrel first, with the calavdos as a backing, and then through the sip eventually crescendos on the finish, add plum and a hint of hop to what was in the nose. Feel is full and boozy without any leakage, very smooth but it demands you enjoy each sip thanks to the barley and hops cutting through on the finish. One of the best beers of our time in Paris

33 cl bottle poured into a taster’s snifter in Toulouse, FR.
Not much fizz, but none was expected, atop a copper colored brew. Light reveals brilliant mahogony tones through the haze.
Nose is heavy on the Calvados, which is Apple brandy distilled from fermented apple cider, made in a designated area of the Normandy region of France.
Taste is sweet, yet the Hallertau blanc and Columbus hops keep it in check with a hint of spruce for enlightenment. The barley malt profile struggles a little, yet stands up to gourmet notes of apple, oak and gingerbread. A touch of cinnamon (well restrained) brings a reminiscence of a Holidays apple pie. Fine alcohol nip rounds the finish, a little sticky kissy lip remains.
Mouthfeel is oily and not over dense. The addition of flaked oats brings a smoothness on the palate. Low end of medium carbonation.
Overall, a really beautiful, distinctly European, supurbly crafted sipping Barley Wine that is classy and delicious.