Bristol Old No. 23 Port Barrel Aged Barley Wine

On tap @ Falling Rock poured a clouidy milk chocolate brown with a small lasting creamy tan head. Aromas of port, oak, toffee, carmeldark fruit and a hint of oxidation. Palate was medium bodied smooth and warming. Flavors of port, oak, toffee, plums and a hint of spice with a smooth warming lingering bittersweet finish.

Draught, Falling Rock. Head is mostly diminishing. Body is hazy dark amber. Aroma is moderately malty (toasted grain, cookie, caramel), lightly hoppy (apricot, resin), lightly yeasty (barnyard, horseblanket), with notes of plum, cherry, wood, dried mango, alcohol, hint of sherry. Flavor is moderately to heavily sweet, lightly acidic, lightly bitter. Finish is lightly to moderately sweet, lightly acidic, moderately bitter. Full body, velvety texture, lively carbonation, lightly to moderately alcoholic. I haven’t historically been a fan of the Old No. 23, so I didn’t have high hopes, but this was pretty darned good. Looks like it picked up some wild yeast in the barrel too...it’s light but adds an extra dimension. Guess it’s about time to re-rate the regular 23.

2004 vintage release, draught at Falling Rock. Pours clear mahagony with an average frothy, rocky light brown head, mostly lasting, good lacing. Aroma is heavy malt (cookie, caramel), light hops (flowers, perfume), average yeast (dough) with heavy port notes, some prune and raisin as well. Full bodied, creamy texture, average carbonation and a bitter finish. Average duration, moderate sweetness, acidity and bitterness; the port is a nice addition to this already tasty Barleywine. Some oak and vanilla notes come through at the end.

On tap at the Bristol Brewing Company in CO Springs, CO. Rich and creamy textured body with port taste dominating the sweet malt characteristics. Dark brown color.