The Situation | Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

4.2/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

this beer pours a nice clear golden amber color with a robust white head that recedes to a sheet of lace, replenished nicely by the constant effervecence.

The aroma is full of all the good stuff that a beer can be. the bready sweet malt flavor is off set nicely by the citrus and pine hops.

in the drinking the roasted malt sweetness up front is counterpointed nicely by the hop bitterness at the end.

the medium mouthfeel and good carbonation make this a very drinkable barleywine, even if it is a little hoppier than i'm accostum to in a barelywine.

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4.05/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap, served in a 10oz chalice

Arrives at my table with an orange infused amber body and a thin, less than one finger off-white cap that faded to form a collar. Pretty fantastic clarity, bright and bold. Moderate lacing around the inside almost forming a sheet.

The nose is somewhat contained citrus peel. Tangerines and mangoes with lightly toasted white bread. Some pine needles are evident but the citrus dominates. Mild ethanol.

Juicy citrus. Bold ethanol. Tangerines and apricots assert themselves first with pine sap adding a chewy character. I'm really surprised at how well these hops stand up on the pilsner malt. The malt provides a mild graininess throughout with the hops being the real showcase here. A pretty heavy dose of ethanol makes you pump the brakes a bit, but never truly gets in the way.

Pine sap and juicy citrus lend a moderately chewy mouthfeel. The carbonation is nice and subtle, letting the flavors do their dirty work.

For the high alcohol content and the heat this guy brings, it is scary drinkable. The hops are bright and fresh and make me want to dive in for more.

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4.15/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A pilsner style barley wine. First tapping at maple shade location at 1pm 2/20/10. Served in a chalice.

A: Poured a orangish-amber with a frothy, 1 finger cream colored head that displayed good retention. A bright clarity with isolated and random instances of loosely rising carbonation bubbles ensures. The lacing was thin but provided a almost full sheet coating down the glass.

S: The nose had a light citrusy and pine appeal, not as hoppy as advertised but respectable, almost american pale like. A light pilsner malting is appreciated with an almost floury appeal scent.

T: The initial flavor had a nice wet citrusy and pine like hopping against the pilsner malting that works extremely well here, much better then anticipated. A light dryness of alcohol soon moves in providing a dry graininess that was simple in execution but well played out. A good warmth of alcohol and dry grains ensures on the finish with a beautiful supporting cast of American citrus hops that closes things out with a dry, hoppy fade.

M: The mouthful was very light, effortlessly smooth, and flowed around the tongue with much ease. Little or no carbonation was observed.

D: Very nice drinkability, much easier to consume then it really should. A must try and really big beer that shouldn't be missed here. Drinks like a hoppy, but light bodied ipa with a great American citrusy influence. Comes highly recommended and a solid A beer.

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