J.T. Whitneys Mad Badger Barley Wine

Formerly brewed at J.T. Whitneys Pub & Brewery
Style: Barley Wine
Madison, Wisconsin USA

On tap at the brewpub. Poured a clear deep garnet with a short cap of beige head... receded to a small island after a minute or so. Nose was of strong dark fruits (vinous and cherry notes) with a definite alcohol presence that took charge as this warmed. Same fruit medley in the flavor department, with a lot of sticky darker malts including chocolate. Very sweet. Alcohol was bright and almost became unbearable toward the end of the drink. Medium-bodied. Balance was off... too sweet and too boozy.

On tap at JT Whitneys

Caramelly colored body gave off scents of apples, cherries, yeast and honey. The first sip was caramelly with a light chocolately followup and fruity hints. The further I got into my sample, the sweeter it become. Towards the end it was mostly honey and dried apples. Excellent barleywine that I will have to try again in a full serving.

Had this today as desert after lunch. What a great way to finish off the meal. One ov the better barley wines I’ve ever had.

Opaque and cherry wood colored. Aroma is ribbed and ripe with sweet caramel, sour mash, rum raisins, brown sugar, cherry pits and Kentucky bourbon. Hits the palate as creamy. ABV twang is evident. Some dried cherries, figs and oak vats provide additional flavoring dimensions. Splashes of sherry and port. Palpable and moderately impressive as a sample, but I don’t know if I’d enjoy a full glass of this.

Cloudy brown with a thin head that diminished after a few minutes. Smells like a barley wine: sweet barley, dried fruit, but not all that complex, though it was served too cold. Flavor is sweet, major dried fruit and then a little (tiny) bit of bitterness, but overall this was way to sweet for my tastes. Body seemed a little light.

Cloudy brown on the bottom of the glass, milky brown on top. Vinous aroma, with a bit of chocolate? Much the same in the taste. Nice and sweet. One of JTs more interesting beers.

Murky/Rusty With Red Coloring. No Head. Aroma of Bread and Barley. Alcohol, Fruit...and a Bit Bitter At the End. Really Not Bad At All. I’d Like to Have Again to Further Discern This Brew...But Very Enjoyable.

Murky iron color with no head. Monster barley aroma. Solid barley taste with some bread tagging along. Very rich and dry, but nicely balanced. Their best offering that I’ve had.