Choros (2023, Batch 2)
Wax Wings Brewing Company

 

Thanks to Luscious_Malfoy for sending this beauty in our second iteration of the Barleywine Stout BIF.
Dang this is a big, beautiful barleywine. She pours a deep charred oak color and initially shows no hear whatsoever. Like a smooth mirror on top. Then slowly a head forms. I don't recall ever seeing this in a barleywine. The thin head that does form is mocha colored and almost milky. One of the darkest barleywines I have ever seen.
Nose is deep and varied presenting a wash of dates, toffee, molasses, and warm Bourbon barrel notes. But the Bourbon hints at dark Belgian candied sugars, some subtle char notes, and vanilla.
Flavor follows the foreshadowing beautifully. The interplay between the traditional barleywine malt profile and the barrel aging is gentle handed and really develops nicely. This is a sipper. She is on the sweeter side but a lot of nuance is at play. The Bourbon is always present but makes room for the more subtle notes to have their moments as well.
Mouthfeel is thick and a tad sticky.