Newport Storm 01

Formerly brewed at Coastal Extreme Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
Middletown, Rhode Island USA

750 ml bottle gracious shared by the Master of the M states, ClarkVV at his palatial estate in the tony western suburbs of Bahstun, Feb 18 2006. This one pours near-black chocolate-licorice, one of the darkest barley wines I’ve seen, with a thick dark lasting head....a five-year old beauty I’d say....the nose is light toasty almonds, burnt caramel, with plenty of oxidized sherry character which definitely works with the other elements, touches of licorice and dark chocolate, mmm very English-y and soft....the body contains just loads of raisiny character, perhaps the most I’ve experienced, with nutty liqueur elements, caramel and currants and nicely burnt brown sugars....really the gamut of rum-like character traits amidst a thick malty, lightly oxidized but still plenty thick setting....to me this was quite bright and tangy despite the age, settled and somewhat musty sure but with all of those lovely candy elements so well-blended I feel this is still in fine condition....given my general mixed feelings towards this brewery, I’m quite pleasantly surprised. Thanks again Clark!

Bottle shared with Muzzlehatch on 2/18/06
Foamy, light tan colored head is wispy and receding to cover and ring. Clear from having settled, with sediment on the bottom and a very deep milk-chocolate color with lighter tan/graham cracker tints. No lacing as the liquid recedes. The nose is heavily oxidized, but with such fat, sweet malts, a sweet sherry and madeira character is born. Quite strong, with light notes of anise, baker’s chocolate, dry toffee, salt, soy and vanilla syrup flavored coffee. Some over-ripe plums and earthy barley notes as it warms, with a tart currant-like snap on the end and a dusty yeast. The flavor is still remarkably sweet, with chocolate covered raisins, light prunes, maple syrup and a dry, papery note on end. Heavily oxidized as well, but the malt plays off it well. I do get the light metallic/b-vitamin like notes on the finish, almost a dirty penny or nickel sort of thing, but I’ve tasted it before in other malt monsters that have sat for a while on yeast and don’t see it as a flaw (the alternative, filtering the beer, would prove far worse, IMHO). Very low carbonation by now, of course, with a slippery, and nearly creamy texture. Alcohol is warming, lighlty evident, but otherwise well-integrated in to the flavors for such a high amount. The flavor and nose are a bit dull, overall. It’s challenging to make these old, malty barleywines taste or smell lively, but a little bit of lactic notes can do the trick, or perhaps some more roasted barley bitterness. Something needs to balance it, anyways because, as is, it’s more just a sugar and yeast novelty.

Newport Storm ’01 pours to a deep brown color with a slight tan head and a soft carbonation. When held to the light, this beer is a brilliant amber color. The nose on this beer is the first thing that gets your attention. Very big waves of alcohol strength marry with sweet malty aromas, and some yeasty/fruity esters. The palate is rich and delicious on this beer, with lots of big flavors, and a slick and oily mouth feel. Flavors of sweet malt, maple, pipe tobacco, toffee, prune, hints of chocolate and vanilla coat the tongue. Newport Storm ’01 finishes with big malty and complex flavors up front, then ends with a very warming, soothing high octane burn. This is an extreme beer with big flavors, and big alcohol heat. Five years of age has made this a excellent barelywine/old ale. Match this beer with strong blue veined cheeses such as Stillton, or Maytag.

Bottle that I’ve been searching for. Caramelly/molasses-like aroma with some earthiness and woodsiness. A bit musty with some signs of oxidation. Vinous aromas with dried plums present. Murky dark amber/light mahogany color with an abundant tan, frothy head after an aggressive pour. Sweet, caramelly and toffee-like to start. This turns pretty dry with lots of tobacco notes that linger for a while. Some cocoa powder makes a short appearance in the tobacco-like finish as well. There is some cardboardy notes present which show this beer’s age. Still complex and very enjoyable. Smooth-bodied and the alcohol is undetectable. ----Re-rate---& sherry, some oxidized cardboard notes along with some ethanol retronasally. Still has a little yellowish lacing carbonation along with a mildly hazy garnet amber body. Oily mouthfeel with some roastiness and a great deal of sweet caramelly flavors. A little sherry late. I could see how this could be cloying for some people, but I think it is a pretty drinkable, old beer. Cheers.

Bottle courtesy of my brother, DYCSoccer17. What a find!! Murky brown pour with a creamy tan head. Vineous aroma, sweet malt, dark pit fruit. Smoooooth, vineous, silky, MMmmmmm. Delicious. Fruity with a little alcohol kick to finish. Roasty malt, chocolate also shows up to finish. Really nice complexity. A great find!!

Pours coppery with a thin head. Smells of blood oranges, wood, brimstone and fire. Kind of reminded me of Scotland on a foggy day. Tastes very sweet like an English style BW with some signs of oxidation present, but otherwise well kept and intact. Some strong sherry notes emerge on the finish. Very metallic.

08.06.05 750ml blue bottle, as usual. It’s funny how people gush over these bottles as if they’re very fancy and somehow help justify the very high price of these Extreme beers; yet many of the cheapest reislings (wines that cost half the price of this beer) come in the same cheapo vessels. Anyhoo, this stuff is a murky, muddy brown with only the slightest ring of khaki head. Big sugar/spice aromas, brown bread, hot alcohol. Figgy, melted milk chocolate, bitter hops linger. It’s got a somewhat gritty texture. An unfocused mess to me, oxidation and age don’t seem to have been kind...and it’s still very hot, wine-like and woody, but not in the best way.

Ruddy orange. Tight, creamy ivory foam holds well. Sherry, candied pecans, tannins, and caramelized sugars dominate the nose. Silky body. Moderate rush of carbonation. Grainy caramelized sugar texture tightens its grip amid a softer bready malt explosion and sharp tannic brace. Alcohol asserts itself by warming the chest, but rarely detracts from the flavor. Heavy oxidation becomes [more] apparent as it breathes, which lessens the malt intensity. Depth-lending hop character has completely faded with age. The center displays more airiness and tannins which punctuate more of the oxidation. Spicy alcohol and earthy malt dextrins overrun the mere dab of acidity. Decadent finish of lush, rum-soaked malt and a vanilla & fig symphony, which causes the tannic sharpness to shine. Notwithstanding the oxidation, this is another [aged] beauty from these maltheads.