Looking at the tap list live cam, it’s on now at the cafe! If I have time, I may stop in on the way back from dropping my son off in Ann Arbor…
This is wonderful news. I still have a couple of older bottles, but fresh Third Coast is the best Third Coast.
Absolutely! I also thought that the Westland American Single Malt Whiskey barrels were a particularly good choice for this beer. They added excellent oak and vanilla flavors without pushing the sweetness too much higher.
Kros Strain Barrelywine Volume 10 Williquors 2yr BBA English Barleywine, 13% ABV. I rated this 4.62 in 2024.
I did pick up a new six pack this year. Unless specifically requested, (or it’s a vertical) I don’t gift old beers. Thought I posted it when I got it but could well be mistaken.
I was surprised to find this at my favorite local spot. This is ok, rum barrel beers just aren't as good as bourbon barrel. Are rum barrels generally second use? That would make this third use, I would imagine most of the yummy vanilla tannins have been leached out already. Pretty dry overall, some caramel up front before bitter aspirin and wood join in at the end. There isn't a whole lot of rum to found here. Not worth the price of admission.
2025 Ol' Lifewine from Matchless. English barleywine aged in Portland’s Westward Whiskey barrels. 15% ABV. Reviews have said that this is the best vintage yet. I might have to agree! Smoked figs, rich toffee, loads of bourbon, vanilla pudding, brown sugar, a touch of ginger, and some molasses. Lovely.
I know barleywine is sadly hard to find, so as a public service announcement I wanted to pass along that halftime beverage currently has 10 in stock. All new to me so I got them all. I posted this here since they seem to ship pretty far and wide. https://halftimebeverage.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Barleywine+ They offer 10% off with coupon code "comeback" and shipping isn't bad, $20 flat rate in the Continental U.S.
2025 Mother of all Storms from Pelican in Oregon. 14% English barleywine aged in bourbon barrels. This is a fantastic year. Loads of caramel and bourbon. Cheers all.
2020 Doggie Claws Toffee, underripe apricots, pine resin, and boozy potpourri at the finishing exhale. Good stuff.
It's lovely to see some of the classics still being made. RIP to Doggie Claws. Looks like Bigfoot was just released. Maybe we need a special Bigfoot tasting for anyone who can get their hands on a new (or old from the cellar) one.
