J W Lees...what are your thoughts?

Had never had one until about two months ago when I found a 2001 in a bar down here. One of the best beers I've ever had. Impressive indeed!

 

A timeless classic and one of my favorite beers ever.

 

a ten year old bottle was my highest rated beer so far

 

way too sweet!

 

Huge fan of the Sherry Cask aged ones. Any year. I'm glad they come in small bottles though because much more would be difficult to drink in one sitting. I once had one from 1987 that was still holding up really well after 21+ years!

 

Had the 2006 Calvados last night. Pretty impressive layers of flavor on that one. Sweet as hell to start but seemed to get used to it as I went. Have not had the regular version.

 

I actually never had any JW Lees and I do see it often. Which variety and vintage should I look for?

 

I miss this beer so much. I used to buy it regularly about 5 years ago, but then I moved and haven't seen it in quite a while. I always keep an eye out for it when I travel, but I haven't scooped one up in a few years. Boy do I miss being able to knock this one back.

 

They...

are...

tasty...

 

Definitely a very unique and tasty beverage. However at the price I will not be buying them often.

 

I have a Sherry one sitting in my cellar. Maybe I should try the regular version before the Sherry.

 

I know I'm in the minority here but I'm not a fan. Every bottle I've had, no matter the treatment or age, has been flat, filled with chunky sediment, disgustingly sweet, and oxidized to hell. Not sure why these are considered classic barleywines...

 

Weird to see this post on the front page. I just happened to come across my first bottle today. (Sherry cask 2009)

 

I've only had the port barrel version. Loved it.

 

Straight up.
No wood.
Without a doubt JWL produced the best beer I've ever had a share of (a 1988 in 2010).

 

I quite like their Dark Mild.

 

Some of my lowest rDevs ever. Just too sweet for me Great example of the style I think (and I tried to score them as such), just watch out if you're not a fan of super-sweet molasses. Shmaltz is another offender for me. Not trying to knock either, just showing my bias.

Dope

 

I love JW Lees now. I was initially introduced to these beers in the 90s at the Michael Jackson beer diners at the Univ of Penn Museum. I did not like them or any barleywines or strong ales.

 

98 and 99 are some of the best beers ever