Downtown Grill Old Centennial Barley Wine

Formerly brewed at Downtown Grill & Brewery
Style: Barley Wine
Knoxville, Tennessee USA

Slightly cloudy garnet color with an almost nonexistent head. Aromas were mildly fruity with a hint of spices. Flavors were of dark fruits balanced with an estery alcoholic background and subtle malts. Not too complex, but a good dessert beer that is certainly worth a try.

Confessions right up front: 1) I'd had 1 or 2. 2) I can be a bit of a homer. That being said, this was pretty impressive. Reddish orange, with a nice tan head. Wonderful smoky almond, oatmeal cookie, toasty aroma. Really enticing. The flavor is raisin up front, but with apple, then an earthy, piney hop flavor that is well balanced with the malty flavors. Some fruit flavor linger thoughout, but still a dry finish. Surprisingly impressive.

Ruby tinted amber colour with a almost non-existant white head. Mild aroma for a barley wine with some fruit and alcohol coming through. Medium-bodied; Strong taste, but fairly sharp and pungent. Spices come through in the aftertaste, as well as some sugars from fruit. Overall, a sub-par barley wine...but good to try a 'local' barley wine, especially in Tennessee! I had this on draught at the Downtown Grill in Knoxville, Tennesse.

An ordinary Barley Wine. Nice ruby color with a thin head. Fruit, floral aroma, but kind of faint. Nice smooth taste, but not that strong. Not much of a flavor. Nothing to write home about, but worth trying to say the least. Not many 10% beers are available in Knoxville.