BJs Barleywine

On tap at the Brea location 12/26/07. Dark amber; rich malt aroma anf flavor. Biting rich malts and hops...long, cloying finish w/ rich, sweet fruits...strong in alcohol; rich finish. They said 8.7% for this batch.

Date: 12/02/2005
Mode: Draft
Source: Brewfest, Strong Ale Fest

Woodland Hills hazy amber, thin beige head, big earthy aroma, sweet tart hot and alcoholic, big bitterness, big body,

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 5/10; Flavor: 5/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 8/20
Rating: 2.5/5.0
Drinkability: 5/10
Score: *4

2005 SD Strong Ale Fest: Brewed at Woodland location. Here since no other place to stick it. Poured a hazy amber-brown color with s small off-white head. The aroma was of old fruit and a tartness that was almost bile like. Malty flavor with light fruitiness. Moderate hoppy flavors on the end. bitter finish and semi-dry. Medium to full bodied.

Very, very, sweet, cloying beer. Hops are present, but this one's just a little over the top.

Extra points for the high ABV. I agree with aubrey, it's easy drinking for the strength. It mad Bud-drinking Raven gag ands she put an ice cube in my glass.

Hazy amber. Smooth and rather malty. Hops are more bitter than aromatic, but nice. Alcohol nips add a nice touch here and there. Tasty and "easy to drink."

Draught. Body is murky medium amber. Aroma is lightly malty (cookie), moderately hoppy (grapefruit, resin), lightly yeasty (dough). Flavor is moderately sweet, moderately acidic, moderately bitter. Finish is lightly sweet, moderately acidic, heavily bitter. Medium to full body, syrupy texture, lively carbonation, lightly astringent. Not my kind of barleywine (extremely hoppy), and still needs some aging, but decently balanced and something hopheads will probably enjoy. Very well-hidden alcohol.