Great Divide 15th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA

Bottle: Poured a deep amber orangey color ale with a large foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of vanilla is more dominant then expected with some notes floral hops with light citrus notes as well. Taste is a nice mix between some vanilla from the oak with some notes of floral hops with more bitter hops also noticeable and a deep rich caramel malt backbone. The vanilla brings this one closer to a barleywine territory but renders the whole thing interesting. Body is quite full with great carbonation and no signs of alcohol. Interesting take on the style.

Bomber. Pours a clear, deep, dark reddish-amber color. A small, tight head of ivory tinted foam settles to a thin, lasting layer, leaving thick, sticky bands of lacing all over the glass. The aroma shows a rich and robust malt base of caramel and toasted, buttery toffee, with bold notes of woody oak, bourbon, and vanilla. Citrus hops are there, but seem more an afterthought to the big malt. Flavors are very barleywine-esque, caramel, toffee, and citrus hops showing most prominently, with a big oak and bourbon presence. As malty as it is, the barrel and the citrus hops balance things out nicely. The palate is full and rich, sugary yet semi-dry and warm from the alcohol. Good brew, but it’s a monster barleywine more than a IIPA.

Bottle from IrishBoy. Nice amber/brown with a creamy off white head. Aroma is light pine, mildly hoppy, caramel maltiness, alcohol, dried dark fruits. Taste is oaky followed by a light contrasting balance of crystal malt, and the hoppiness- some alcohol showing but about perfect on that end.

22 oz bottle courtesy of mreusch. Thanks! Pours an almost transparent darker amber with some fiery notes, a big beige head that stays big, laces well. Aromas are hoppy, florals and citrus, but muted by the wood, taking a turn for a sweeter caramel, wet wood, and malty appeal. A touch of pine, florals, round out. Initial is lighter bodied, a bit boozy up front, with floral and pine hoppiness, vanilla smooth sweetness, caramel and pale malts are less strong than anticipated as this rocks the palate lighter than I thought, a bit of dry wood and vanilla come further towards the back, warm alcohol, decent bitterness coats and sticks. Pretty good, lighter wood provides more gentle flavors, not sweet and syrupy mess. I enjoyed this.

you can actually smell the oak along with the hops on the nose...wonderful. hazy dark amber pour with a nice frothy off white head. very intersting taste to say the least...taste the oak..but it is complicatedly delicious.

Bottle shared with Michael & Jane, and Darrell at Pizzeria Paradiso. Clear deep orange amber with a small white head, some lacing. Aroma of orange peel and malt. Tastes of bourbon, and very strongly so. Lots of oak, very dry, and a nice bitter finish. Needs to tone down the bourbon, and it would be a great beer.

bottle poured an orange amber in color with a one finger white head that fell to a nice clingy ring. aroma has caramel sweetness, heavy resiny citrus hops, barrel wood, vanilla, and a bit of earth. solid medium mouth feel with low side carbonation. flavor gets smacked with wood, vanilla, aged hops, cheese, and caramel. very barley wine and super hearty. the barrel and vanilla get a bit cloying.

orange in color with a huge white head.heavy oak,citrus,earth,and oranges make up the aroma.the flavor is havy vanilla,oranges,and dust.