Nelson Nelsons Blood

750ml stoppered bottle. Was expecting the worst having read the previous comments, but I’m pleasantly surprised. Pours murky chestnut with a creamy beige head. Aromas of sourish fruit, ash, waxy hop mustiness, vanilla,faint apple and banana esters. Nose reminiscent of some of Tunnel’s bottled efforts. OK, faintly vinous/berryish fruit in the mouth, becoming unpleasantly bitter towards the bottom of the glass. Very sweet soggy digestive afters, with a nibble of peanut. Milky, thickish m/f, low carbonation. Alcohol not discernible. Pretty decent strong ale I thought, with a few homebrewish imperfections.

Bottle at home ... Thanks to Fin for this one... copper colour with a bit to much fizz ... fruity sour nose ... its on the turn as many live bottles all too often are ... interesingly its got a blood metalic tinge, slight sourness and vinegarness... fair bit of fruit... drinkable and palatable but id not want a 2nd like this.

Bottle. Pours a clear dark reddish-amber with a thin creamy head. Aroma is roasted malts, fruit, and a little vinegar. Flavors are roasted malts, fruit, a little vinegar, and a metallic, almost bloody aftertaste. Bit thin as well. Is this really supposed to be a barley wine? Would be much better classified as a fairly weak strong ale.

Bottle, from the Dodgy Deli’, Cowley Road, Oxford 31-12-07 had this 01-01-08 Poured copper colour, fruity slightly sour nose. Harry Flashman (see rating below) is spot on it is just about drinkable, fruity malty, slightly sour bloody mess if truth be known, hardly notice that it’s 6%, not great. A Barley Wine, never, it’s barely a beer.

Bottle. Blood red with a small head. Aromas are earthy hops and berries. Quite vinous with spices. Soft and Kentish. Flavours are sweet toffee and berries with earthy hops and floral notes. Alcohol is not evident. Lacks juiciness in its fruit.