Fish Tale Leviathan Barleywine (Barrel Aged)

Formerly brewed at Fish Brewing Company/Leavenworth Beers
Style: Barley Wine
Olympia, Washington USA

From a 12 oz. bottle with an unnotched spawned on date. Poured a reddish caramel brown with a small foamy head that settled into a thin bubbly lacing. Aromas of caramel with a light chocolate, vanilla, a subtle citrus and whiffs of a sherry barrel-like alcohol. Moderate carbonation and crisp, alcoholic dry, smooth medium-light bodied mouthfeel. Tastes of roasted nuts, caramel and toffee, a mild vanilla, bitter citric hops, a sherry-like fruitiness, a clear grainy alcohol flavor that is also warming in the palate, and a dry, hop bitter, malty finish with a lingering grainy alcohol. A decent barley wine that I wish I knew it’s bottling date, easy sipping drinkability.

Thanks to Eyedrinkale for sharing this at the CL RB gathering. 2002 bottle. At first I thought I detected some brett in the aroma/taste then realized it was the tannic qualities from the wood. Pours a deep hazy amber. Aroma is wood, sweet malts, some vinous fruit, pretty complex. The taste follows suit with sweet malts in harmony with wood, tannins, and vinous fruits. Whiskey undertones in the finish.

This is a nice way to end the party for me, at no. 78. Heavy and sweet and full of alcohol, this is pretty good stuff. Of course, this is my favorite style. Thanks to cquiroga for the heads up on which beer this was.

Batch #4, Nov. 2002: I’ve been holding this one for quite awhile. It ours a rich, cloudy mahogany color. There was about zero head on mine. There was still some carbonation and lacing around the edges. The aroma is rich. Some alcohol to the nose, as well as a complex fruitiness. Caramel notes also. A very smooth taste. A warming alcohol note is the first that is tasted. Hints of caramel and fruits, as well as a sherry-like texture. Extremely nice!

My god this kicked some serious ass. An amber appearance with a thick head. The aroma is malty and alcohol filled with a nice citrus and pine presence. The flavor is similar to an IPA with some oak notes, orange, sherry, and caramel. Too bad this is retired.

Batch #2 bottled Nov. 2000 bought a bottle at the Brickskeller in DC. This one had aged very well, and seemed as though it was kept well for the 6 years because there was very little oxidation in the aroma and flavor. Body was smooth and clean with lots of woody hints coming through more than any other vintage I have had. Light tannic and wine hints all the way through. Very smooth. Has held up very well! KP’s Fest. Pours a light amber with a slight lasting head. Aroma is sticky sweet malts, caramel, alcohol, fruity esters and dulled hops- lightly oxidized with light cardboard and some sherry notes. Light to medium alcohol flavor mixing with more sherry, thick sweet malts, nutty and light chocolate hints, and an aged hop bitterness. Whiskey and alcohol hints pick up as it warms but stays smooth and full bodied. Slight astringency in the end.

facto was nice enough to crack this during my stay at his place, thanks again for everything matt. this was batch 3 from 11-01. poured a muddy red brown with a creamyconsistant head. barrel liquor nose with a strong raisin and amazingly some grass and floral still last. cherry flavors mix with chocolate, plums, caramel and brown sugar mix perfectly with the whiskey. creamy rich and the best barley wine i’ve had in a while if not ever.

November 2002 bottle provided by Notalush at the NYRBG, thanks Brandon. Well, I’ll say this is one of the few beers where the barrel aging does a beer good or maybe its the 4 years. Its still boozy. Smells like strong booze mixed with a strong barleywine. Body is a bit thin but has plenty of flavor. Flavor is alchy with lots of brandy and fruitiness. Goes down smooth with no bitterness at all. Could sit around for a few more years.