Faust Brauerreserve 1237
Brauhaus Faust-Miltenberger

A 2025 version with no foam at all.

 

Bought a 12 oz bottle last June from the brewery while on a river cruise. I was surprised that an old German brewer would brew an IPA (just ok) and this barleywine (excellent). Pours a dark brown/reddish color into a pint glass, with a lot of red light coming through the glass when held to a light. Small light tan head with less than average retention. Leaves traces of the head on the surface of the glass. No lacing to speak of. Aroma is malt, bitter hops, dark fruit, toffee and caramel. Kind of like a Scotch Wee Heavy but with a lot of hoppiness. Taste is more of the same. Rich malty beer with fruit and toffee. Good level of bitterness. Mouthfeel is rich, a little boozy with a nice balance between maltiness and bitterness. This is an exceptional barleywine, I would have labeled it as an American Barleywine vice an English one based on the level of hoppiness. If I could buy this beer in the US, I would certainly do so.

Poured at fridge temp, but allowed to warm. The first impression was "wow, not much head!". What was there quickly dissipated. Color is a beautiful dark brown, reminiscent of an aged English barley wine. My favorite! Definitely excited by the look! The nose is nose is fantastic - lots of deep caramel and fig notes. Some brandy, bread, and maybe a bit of cherry on the nose as well. Very inviting. Taste is incredible - better than the nose! Tons of beautiful caramel and toffee notes. Some raisin, fig, vanilla, port, and earthy notes. Sweet, but not too sweet. Almost no bitterness. Mouthfeel is very nice - creamy and not too dry. Aftertaste of goodness lingers for a while.

NOTE: THIS IS A BARLEYWINE;NOT A DOPPELBOCK

Bottle 1983 from 2652

L:
-pours a ruby brown with a big,frothy,beige head
-low-medium carbonation visible
S:
-caramel,toffee,syrup,molasses,rum,oak,vanilla,raisins,figs,strawberries,earthy
T:
-caramel,toffee,syrup,prunes,raisins,figs,raspberries,sour cherry,strawberry,oak tanin,slight coconut
-toasty and slightly roasty finish
F:
-full body,low-medium carbonation
-slightly boozy
O:
Fantastic German Barleywine

 

Numbered beer (970/2652), 750 mL. Bought in Miltenberg, 2012 edition (I believe, as it is best before 2022).

Strong, malty and fruity. Barely any head, but still carbonated. Can't quite figure out the type of beer it is, and no hint is given. Tastes like a hybrid between a scotch ale and a fruity (plum, figs) belgian double. Strong smell of alcohol and dark fruits. Very thick and intense. Glad my bro' shared it with me, as a 750 mL is too much for one.