DuClaw Devils Milk

Brewed by DuClaw Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
Abingdon, Maryland USA

Still, whiskey-like amber with only a hint of bubbles rising to the surface. Aroma is sweet with noticeable hops and some alcohol. The flavor is strongly sweet like candy with a substantial presence of hops in the front and finish. The alcohol is hidden well overall. The palate could use a little more carbonation but for the most part this beer is the best I’ve had from Duclaw yet.

Arundel Mills location. Deep auburn in color and somewhat milky in consistency. Beautifully rich and poignant aroma of white chocolate mousse layered with strawberries, cantaloupe, and peppermint throughout; lively and sweet breaths of toffee, warm cinnamon bread and almond frosting in succession. Thoroughly unique in its own portrait of the transcendent dessert. Flavor presents similar tones of bold, polished sweetness; new oak, vanilla, and caramel, under a layer of bitter pine resin. Black licorice, earth, and seared creme brulee crust; leans toward cloying with delicate, knowing restraint. Papery fruit peel begins to win out with a kind of wilting character in red apple and orange rind dominance, while the rich, approachable aperterif qualities begin to fade, eventually to be mostly submerged. Medium bodied and presenting itself with a very modest touch of alcohol, which is altogether well bridled. Swiftly finishing. Balanced and unique; a memorable example.

Poured dark brown with a creamy tan head. Aroma of hops, vanilla, and citrus. Great hop character to start with a nice sweet caramel malt backbone. Great balance.

Bottle RBSG 07. Orange pour with a short light tan head. Aroma of bright earthy hops and toasted malt. Flavors of caramel malt, spices , citrus, pine and some fruit elements. Medium/thick body bittersweet, with a bittersweet finish.

Probably one of the best BW’s I have had so far. Not sure of the date of this bottle but I checked the site for availability so I believe its a 2006. Not aged much but still not "hot’ as I expected. Very warming alcohol but has no burn. Very rich and smooth but goes down easy. Maltlicious with hints of sweet fruits and molasses as well as some roasted malt. Body like syrup but a thin syrup not like any old aunt jemima’s. Does not feel like over 12%. Very drinkable and delicious.

Date: July 14, 2006
Mode: Draft
Source: Tasting
Vintage: 2004
Appearance: hazy amber, thin fine tan head
Aroma: strong sweet malt aroma with a nice fruity character and some earthy hops
Body: very creamy body
Flavor: huge malt flavor, perfect balance with great hop flavor and big fruity malt, just a hint of alcohol, touch of sweetness

Aroma: 8/10; Appearance: 8/10; Flavor: 8/10; Palate: 10/10; Overall: 18/20
Rating: 4.3/5.0
Drinkability: 8/10
Score: ***4

Date: February 13, 2009
Mode: Growler
Source: Tasting
Vintage: 2008
Appearance: hazy dark amber, wispy off white head, bits of lce
Aroma: sweet candy caramel and vanilla aroma that turns very earthy
Flavor: sweet caramel flavor, well balancing earthyness starts to dry it out

Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.3/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **+/4

RBSG 07 grand tasting. A clean amber pour with a sticky lacing and almost no head. A nose that reeks of citrusy hops. A semi sweet/hoppy smooth textured drinker that is about as well balanced as it could be. Good carbonation and a full bodied palate. This is the way a beer should be.

Draft at Arundel Mills at the X-mas in July party. Vintage 2005. FINALLY, after all my long trips to the area- I get to catch this elusive beer. Pours a deep hazy amber, with red highlights and a pale yellow head. Aroma of rich caramelly malts and fruity esters, which subside as it warms. Sharp carbonation and medium texture. Initial flavor of caramel and citrus that transitions to a bold hoppy middle, that feels slightly dry on the palate. Bitter and warming finish that lingers. Alcohol has melded into the beer quite nicely. I enjoyed this beer, especially because it was packed full of american barleywine flavor without being too rich. Thanks to Jim for releasing this vintage keg.