Empyrean Cellarmans Barleywine

On tap at the 2008 Crescent Moon Extreme Beerfest. Pours an extremely dark reddish brown color with a thin off-white head. This has an incredible aroma of butterscotch, raisins, plums and dates. Lots of ethanol is apparent in the nose. Malty and even seems wheaty. It just has a huge grain flavor. Surprisingly smooth for such heat and seems to have a quick finish for a BW. Lingering residual tartness on the tongue. Very nice. UPDATE 2009: On tap at the 2009 Crescent Moon Extreme Beerfest. Butterscotch and pancake syrup. Big and unbalanced by every definition and that’s a good thing. Big hops and big candy malt sweetness. It is even better this year than last. My assumption is that this is a new batch and not just the same beer at a year older, but either way, I’m the winner.

Growler at Extreme Beerfest 2008 (Crescent Moon): Deep, rich, and complex flavor...finishes with chocolate. Dark amber color with a thin white head.