Wild Duck Old Gnarley Head Barley Wine

Tap @ Bier Stein - Amazing how well this one has held up. You could definitely tell this had some ages on it, still very sweet and syrupy, with some nice maple syrup and brown sugar notes. Caramel maltiness, with cherries and grahams. Very heavy alcoholic mouthfeel combined with alot of sweetness. This would make a wonderful desert beer.

On tap at the Sasquatch brew fest in Eugene,OR. Pours a red/copper color, slightly cloudy with a off-white head. Strong sweet aroma of carmel. Sweet flavor of carmel and slightly fruity taste. There was a slight alcohol taste near the end. Very smooth barleywine with a nice slight bitterness towards the end.

Gold Medal GABF ’03. Dirty brown water color with roasted malt and candy aromas. Sweet taste went nicely with bitter hops.

ON CASK AT THE DUCK: soft, vibrant ruby body. DENSE foamy white head, perfectly uniform. teeny tiny bubbles. Nose is lightly fruity, floral and sweet. some candy, ripe fruits as well as the alcohol (it is 13.9% in this case!). Syrupy and intense. Front is sweet and fruity, followed by wonderful grainy character. Smooth, soft and velvety. warm and inviting, big, full mouthfeel. Chocolate and woody notes emerge through the syrupy sweetness. I couldn't believe it was so strong until I stood up. One of my all time favorite barley wines, I am eternally grateful for even geting a glass off the cask. A freind who works at the resturant let me know it was on the cask. I went in for a glass that night and the next. Unfortunately though, that next evening, the cask had run out 10 minutes prior to my arrival. Awesome nonetheless!! I cant wait for the next!

gabf 2003, many many samples: wow! Some candy and dark spice qualities aggresively firming to a substantial bitter through along a roasty bridge. Full bodied and richly textured. Warming. Excellent.