Auld Lang Syne
Burns Family Artisan Ales

Dark amber pour, appears a deep mahogany red in the glass, clear; dense, slow-rising carbonation; thin yet lasting head, khaki hued with a fairly dense and creamy texture. Powerful nose infused with rich, toasted caramel notes; nearly hidden pome fruit esters. A divine taste; rich, malty caramel with suggestions of dried figs; earthy spiciness, cardamon with a trace of cinnamon; an earthy booziness. Heavy mounthfeel, thick and viscous; sublime alcohol warmth permeates everything.

Great googly moogly, but this imperial barleywine is fine. The label states this will age gracefully for 25+ years, but 1) I can't wait that long to try this single bottle, and 2) I likely won't be around to drink it at age 94. Yes, this thing is tasty at around six years of age. I consider it a shame that the brewery shut its doors last year, so the likelihood of getting a second bottle of this is slim, but I would jump at the opportunity to get my greedy little beer mitts on another bottle.

ABV: 16.1%; pouring temperature: 53.3 °F; bottling info: Vintage - 2020 - Ages Gracefully 25+ Years -
Source: brewery purchase

2021 bottle poured at fridge temp. Pours dark brown with a good amount of tan head. The nose is full of dark fruit. The brandy barrels did a number on this one. Fantastic. Plums, brandy, pear, toffee, and gummy bears.

The taste is great. Tons of fruit, brandy barrel, toffee, slight brown sugar, and booze. Fruit includes pear, blackberry, raspberry, and grapes. Super intense. Getting some vanilla, and a slight bitterness (maybe from the wood).

The aftertaste is sweet fruit and a bit of alcohol heat. This lingers for quite a while. The feel is rather thin.

 

16.9 ounce bottle purchased in March of 2022. Served in a tulip glass.

Pours a deep reddish brown with a toasted white head of 1/2”. Head receded but held a foam ring while drinking.

Aromas of brandy, pear, red berries, caramel and toffee. No hints of alcohol. Pleasing.

Much of the same as in the nose- caramel, brandy, figs, raspberry maybe, tobacco, cocoa. Oak and hints of vanilla. Even lighter hints of cardboard that I won’t use in my rating. Won’t let my negligence affect the grade.

Mouthfeel lacks here. Wish it could be slicker, syrupy but it’s on the thinner side, at least where I like my BA barleywines. At least there’s no cloying sweetness or flavors. lingering. Dry.

Overall, nothing bad about this one but on the other hand it’s not world class. It is unique and an easy to drink beer even at the high abvs.

L: Pours a slightly obscure amber red brown with a small tan head and a few fingers of lacing.

S: A note of boozey brandy, caramel, a touch of tobacco and molasses.

T: Starts with a light brandy, some good caramel, notes of molasses and a slightly piney hop. Alcohol is well hidden for the ABV, a very nice barley wine.

F: Large body, prickly carbonation.

O: This is a very nice barleywine.

 

Somewhat clear hazelnut brown body, full tan head. Brandy barrel leads the nose bringing caramel, toffee, barley, and mild apricot in its wake. Taste adds some dried dark fruit, oak is stronger here but goes well with the barley, finish is sweet with a good lick from the brandy and toffee. Very smooth, while warm with booze it hides the 16.5% abv well, light chew is interesting. A more unique combination of barrel and style, but one I very much appreciated

This drinks like white wine??? This is fucking dangerous I was expecting more flavor but the pure drinkability here is INSANE This goes down so easy!!! I know these bottles of beer are expensive but I reeeeeaaaaaaally wish more people would try their offerings