Anderson Valley Horn of the Beer Barley Wine

Brewed by Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
Boonville, California USA

Draught @ Papago Brewery<P> As it spills majestically from the tap into my waiting goblet, the beer presents a limpid mahogany color, the head portly in size, creamy in texture with the color an eye-appealing light tan, and as the head sinks slowly into oblivion, a velum like sheet of lace forms and welds itself to the goblet. The nose has a monstrous sweet malt aroma at the front with hints of butter, also a soupon of alcohol was present, a fine sniffing beer it tis’. Start is favorably sweet, strong malt profile; the top is moderate to full in its feel to the palate. Finish is forbearing in its acidity, the hops are bounteous, and the 8.6 percent ABV, makes its presence known by the “Tummy Warming” feel with the aftertaste dry and long lasting, another magnificent beer from an extraordinary brewery.

Now this made me really happy ;-) Nice legs on the glass, amber color, medkium sweet alcohol taste- syruppy and berries. Nice thick malt taste - and body. a bit honey int he nose. gorgeous spicey finish!

2006 Beer of the Horn: A solid nose to pallet to finish transition. One of the most exhilarative barleywines at the Lucky Lab’s 2007 tastival. Potent and endearing citrus tinge with a nice fruity bite. Mmmm!

On tap at Redbones: Cloudy orange with a thin off-white head. Sweet malts create a deep brown sugar aroma, thick oily and fizzy. Rich long taste that starts bitter and then turns sweet. Ends dry, and loses some sweetness as it warms.

Hops and honey in the nose, amber color, low lathery head. Heavy body with flavors of syrup and berries. Sweet think malt turns to a fairly reserved dry spiced end. Like a wee heavy with carbonation. Wow!

This barleywine isn't too complex. Smokey, caramel flavors are the persistent throughout but it seems as though they pulled their punch on the malt. As it warmed, more complex flavors were accentuated - fruit, caramel and some spices. Guess it just takes some time for this barleywine to open up and show it's true potential.

[Vintage 2006] Tap @ Barleywine and Big Beer Fest... Poured a hazy golden orange with a white head. Aroma of floral hops and citrus fruit. Soft, subtle palate that was very drinkable. Tart notes with a bit of citrus fruit and tea leaves. A little alcohol and also some caramel, earthy sweetness in the finish.

amber body with adequate carbonation, a thick, pillowy tan head. Sweet, real sweet! Dry fruits, apples and spices, awesome nose. caramel and pale malts come through, especially in the mouth. great balance. Big, full mouthfeel, rich, big barleywine mouthfeel. Alcohol stands pretty tall, but the great depth of ripe and dried fruitiness balances so well.