Harpoon 100 Barrel Series #04 - Barleywine

Formerly brewed at Harpoon Brewery
Style: Barley Wine
Boston, Massachusetts USA

Pours a very clear light copper with a frothy, thick, and well-lacing, bone-colored head. Dry semi-floral, grainy aroma isn’t very reminiscent of a true barleywine, but is not offensive. Has a slightly sweet caramely malty body that quickly thins into a somewhat piney hoppy, but unbalanced finish. This brewery has yet to impress me, but thanks to SpringsLicker for sharing this.

Easily the best beer that I’ve had from Harpoon. Pretty much a good average American Style Barleywine. Cloudy gold color, small head. Malt and hop aroma that deliver what you expect. Some malt, a bit of citrus from the hops, somewhat dry palate. Alcohol fairly well hidden. No shocks, no surprises, not bad really.

This barley wine pours with an orange-gold body topped by a thin head with little lacing. The aroma is sweet and slightly malty with a nice hop note and a little grapefruit, as well as, other fruits. The flavor is slightly sweet yet bitter with notes of malt, a nice hoppiness and fruity notes. Full bodied, slightly tingly and a touch dry.

Poursa slightly cloudy orange hue with aromas of malt, a hint of citrus and honey. Medium bodied with flavors whiskey, spices and a good malty finish. Aged a little bit as the carbonation was barely there.

im surprised at the bad ratings, our group enjoyed it as Im sure you will see shortly (or not)...it poured slightly hazed and orange and shot forth sweet apricot essence into the air...it tasted beatifully sweet and full of character..with fruity chewy apricots and nice sophistication.

22oz. bomber: Bottled 7-1-03. I’ve had this beer numerous times and was suprised to see that I somehow missed rating it. I’m glad I still had one left. This beer pours an almost clear, amber color with a slight coppery hue. There was a small head due to a fast pour, which subsided quickly. The aroma is quite pleasand, if a bit weak for this style. There is definitely alcohol present, with some dark fruits present, mainly cherries. Some malt sweetness also. The taste is good, with both sweet and sour notes. Some fruits, caramel and a nice smoothness. Nice.

Batch date 7/01/03, Sampled December 2004
Pours a almost clear, lightly hazy copper color, with a creamy inch thick pale tan head. The carbonation is quite low after my rousing pour, and nary a bubble rises from my tulip glass. The aroma is rich and thick, and has a certain entertaining aged quality to it. There are subtle notes of sherry, thick malt, and hops. As I dig deeper in the nose I get a solid note of sweet cherries that have been soaked in alcohol. The aroma seems to not have all that much staying power though, and fades after a couple minutes of searchful sniffing.

The taste is thick and sweet, and quite rich. It reminds me of brandy with some of the fruity notes, and the alcohol in the finish. The alcohol is not detracting though, and in fact adds to this beer at the level that it is. The taste is solidly hoppy, with a tasty flavorful contribution through to a solidly bitter finish. The hops contribute a tangy note to this beer that accentuates the fruity components of the beer with notes of citrus and spicy pine. The malt is solidly here as well, it is thick and rich with notes of caramel, and concentrated wort, and a certain toastiness. The low level of carbonation is perfect for the enjoyment of this beer, it just helps to deliver the malt and hops in a smooth creamy mouth coating manner.

This beer already has some age on it, and it certainly shows signs that it will age gracefully for quite a few more years. This beer, while not quite so lingering in the nose, is quite flavorful and long lasting in the taste. I am definitely enjoying this, and lots of Barleywines tend to get on my nerves. Even the nose had interesting notes I just wish that it had not been so fleeting.

Session 04. Batch date:July 1, 2003... Crystal clear, deep amber ale with a small, creamy, off-white head. Sparse, weeping lacework. The aroma is of toffee, caramel, pineapple, chardonnay and peach. Perfectly balanced flavor... lightly tart and lightly bitter. Not at all sweet. Warm alcohol. Full-bodied with an oily mouthfeel and soft carbonation. Lengthy, lightly bitter, dry finish. Thanks to Springslicker for the bottle.