Barley Johns Barrel-Aged Rosies Ale (Batch 1)

Formerly brewed at Barley Johns Brew Pub
Style: Barley Wine
New Brighton, Minnesota USA

A red beer with a disappearing orange head. The aroma is sweet with strong notes of alcohol and cowberries, combined with lesser notes of metal (might come from the alcohol) and whiskey. The mouthfeel is very thick, like portwine. The flavor is extremely alcoholic combined with notes of wood and prunes, with that same burning sensation, that a 40% ABV whiskey leaves You with. This beer is alcoholic - I wonder how the 28% ABV standard Rosies Ale are.

Dark caramel colour. Thick body leaves legs on the glass. Big fat alcohol & malt character. Very chewy and long. The character to me seems quite typical of what happens when you make a giant beer - not really good or bad but standard for the type. There are definitely more stylish monsters out there.

Thanks to beerguy101 for sharing his shared sample with me! Poured a dark reddish-brown color with almost no head. Sweet. Little fruity. Would never have guessed 21% (although a little alcohol came through in the taste and aroma).
Rerate; larger sample courtesy of egajdzis (thanks!). Additional tastes and aromas of dark fruits, woody and vanilla. Increased the aroma score from 8 to 9.

Luckily obtained thanks to no other than Eric. This one appears clearish, very dark amber proposing a limited head in size, but the fact that there is one at 21% and after spending a couple of weeks bottled frmo a growler proves either an exceptional quality of brewing and/or Eric’s exceptional bottling talents. The aroma comes out quite earthy, alcoholic (though it’s not the first thing that struck me surprisingly) and peaty. It feels very vaporous and makes me think of anise and vanilla in its floral sweetness, but it has a good fruity backbones to bring some fortified wine character in and avoid the syrupy sweetness. Grapey, cherries like, I expected this to be more reminiscent of a shot à la Utopias, but it isn’t. It’s got a rich earthy molasses character and just an all around complete malt profile. A bit ashey in it drying out finish, more anise and vegetal tones add to the complexity, but it’s definitely not its standout point. This one success from pure size. Lightly syrupy body, comfortable feel, round and malty yet still displaying a very soft and pleasant carbonation. Very interesting, almost a must.

Bottled from a growler courtesy of footbalm: Pours a rich dark mahogany brown with a thin cream-colored covering of head. Aroma is a rich and complex blend of sweet caramel malt, raisins, and dark fruit with a touch of hops and bourbon oak. Starts with a nice sweet caramel bourbon toffee flavor with great complexity, a touch of butterscotch and warming alcohol toward the finish. Very well balanced and even a little fruity at times. A really interesting, unique and enjoyable brew. Thanks Eric!

Bottled from a growler... Crystal clear, ruby ale with burnt orange highlights. No head, no lacing. Complex, wonderful aroma with notes of vanilla, black cherries, bourbon, brown sugar, wood, dark raisins and alchohol. Seared my nose hairs. The extremely high ABV is well-masked. A huge beer with tons of malt, but almost perfectly balanced by a very liberal hop addition. A bit tangy with plenty of bourbon, vanilla and alcohol. Ultra full-bodied with a mouthfeel of thick mineral oil. Feather-soft carbonation. Lengthy, "red hot", dry finish. Sip this one slowly and please return your seat back and tray table to their upright and locked positions. Thanks go out to footbalm for the 12 oz. bottle!

Bottled. Dark amber coloured. Aroma of figs, dades, prunes, raisins, coconut and bourbon. Alcoholic flavour. Extremely sweet. Cloying. Too much bourbon flavour.

Thanks to Footbalm and Rastacouere!!

The Lure:
Peppery earth and plump cherries in a tranquil perfume of evident malt and boisterous, yet enticing, alcohol. No nostril blinding à la Utopias thankfully.

The Festivities:
Alcohol warmth and splash amazingly well-inserted into the heavy fruity sweetness (cherries, peaches) and portentous body. Molasses, toffee and caramel unite to lasciviously coat the subtle malt roastiness and alcohol bitterness.

Transcendence:
Cuddling in a sub-zero sleeping bag.