 boboski (1095), USA
Dec 31, 2007 Updated: Jan 2, 2008
A thin khaki head fades instantly, revealing a not-quite-translucent teak/mahogany body with murky-mud swirls and ruby red and sunburst orange highlights. This has a ton of stuff going on but it’s still rather average. The nose is sensual and flows effortlessly through sweet maltiness and modest hoppiness that seems like a lovely expression of power, restrained. The yeast character is complex and well-played, fruits and spice mingling as one. English hops spur a caramel barrage that remains constant and controlled. Alcohol is modest for the reality of the strength at hand. Grape and tangerine rind notes are pleasant finishing and lingering notes of each inhalation. Sugars and highly sweet caramel malts rule in the flavor, edged out by soft citric hops. Sweetness is extremely high, though this is a rare occasion where it’s not bothersome, blended well and enjoyable. Hop oils roll in slowly at the climax of each sip and bring soft bitterness into the fray, continuing into the finish. The mouthfeel is medium-full bodied, very syrupy and lightly carbonated(very sparse).
adrian910ss (1029), philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Sep 11, 2008 22 oz bottle. Pours a mahogany/coppery color with a small beige head. Aroma of sweet syrupy caramel, honey and dark fruit. Taste of syrupy sweet caramel, honey, dark fruit and malt.
unclemattie (1620), Georgia, USA
May 13, 2008 22oz bottle. 13.1% ABV. Red-copper. Aroma of alcohol. Flavor of raisins and malt. Rich, full bodied.
kp (6200), Woodstock, Georgia, USA
Apr 5, 2008 Date: 03/22/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting, Cellar Party
Appearance: hazy dark ruby red, fine beige head,
Aroma: sweet dark caramel malt aroma, nice fruity tartness,
Overall: sweet fruity malt aroma, dark caramel sweetness, touch of fruity tartness, light earthy balance, peppery alcohol adds extra complexity rather than distraction,
Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 7/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.3/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **+/4
Shag (1787), Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Apr 2, 2008 Suprised to run into another General (as we say in the south Luh-fay-it) beer. This place was cool as hell. Anyway a dark amber apperance with a moderate head. The aroma has an oaky presence with some cherries, raisins, cherries, and caramel. The flavor is quite sweet and complex with some vanilla, molasses, brown sugar, raisins, and caramel. The alcohol is masked well for 13% but still shows. Dear god is this a nice barleywine!
ChainGangGuy (1602), Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
Mar 30, 2008 Appearance: Pours a clear, dark amber body, but I fear the alcohol killed any chance of a head here. Ever onward!
Smell: Luscious aroma laden with notes of dark caramel, brown sugar, hand-picked cherries, and good ole booze.
Taste: Sharply sweet caramel maltiness with a touch of dark brown sugar. Cherries floating in simple syrup. The hops are, at best, subtle here. Slint hint from the alcohol. Candyish finish.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Medium carbonation. Sticky mouthfeel.
Drinkability: A good barleywine, so long as you like’m sweet.
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