 ivan9856 (123), Arlington, Virginia, USA
Nov 17, 2005
The 12 oz. bottle is labeled 2004. It pours with a clear dark amber body, and a large, tight tan head with average lacing. Aroma is rich caramel and floral hops, with a touch of alcohol. Palate entry is honey sweet, with mid-palate flavors of beef broth, caramel, toffee, raisin, cherry and fruit esters like ripe banana. The is a nice well-hopped finish with slight alcohol warming. Very good.
Rciesla (1571), Brick City, New Jersey, USA
Dec 30, 2008 2002 vintage bottle that was significantly better than its later years imo. Served in 2007. Pours a mahogany body with an off white head. Lots of alcohol latent fruits, coriander, dates, fig, vanilla, the hops are more or less gone, with a nice fruity warming finish. Great stuff.
2006 3.8
2007 3.6
tarheels86 (264), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Dec 22, 2008 330 mL. Pours a deep, beautiful red with a modest tan head that settles down to a thin film. Nose is very musty with some dark fruits, candied figs, vanilla extract, caramel, and sherry. Taste is more woody than expected with some caramel, vanilla, figs, and floral hops. Slight alcohol burn going down. A solid barleywine- would be nice to age this to get that initial alcohol burn a little mellowed out.
dsagoas (9), , Washington, USA
does not count  Dec 21, 2008 07 bottle. Pours a cloudy reddish orange. No head. Aroma and flavor both show ripe fruit, hazelnut and vanilla. Also a generous alcohol warmth. The bitterness cuts through the sweetness so its not overly sweet on the palate, The alcohol lingers through the swallow. Complex and strong. In general, not my type of beer, but impressive how they maintain the sweetness but not allowing it to be cloying.
Hophead22 (459), Redlands, by way of Wisconsin,, California, USA
Dec 17, 2008 12oz bottle, 2008. Beautiful color, somewhat red and brown, really glows when put to light. Rich malty aroma, decadent,sweet and very powerful, but not overpowering, just mmmm. Flavor is much the same, very rich and complex, super tasty. I will have to start putting these away again.
rustychiles (582), Mesa, Arizona, USA
Dec 12, 2008 Pours a hazy brown with a nice off white head Aroma of vanilla caramel malt and dark fruits
Flavor is caramel dark fruits malt hops earthy vanilla maple nuts and spices
Had the 07 and the 08 and the difference is night and day as the 07 developed more chocolate flavors it is amazing how this one ages
I really enjoy this brew cant believe i havent rated it yet
Well done brew from North Coast
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