Oggis Colossus Strong Ale

Brewed by Left Coast/Oggis Pizza and Brewing Company
Style: American Strong Ale
Del Mar, California USA

What was I drinking compared to the rest of the people rating this. Draft at O’brien’s, after I finished the beer, I was thinking this could be a world classic. Appearence was like a darker version of Hop15. Kind of like a rusty color. Aroma was amazing. Smelled like purple grape juice with ripe red berries. Taste was that ripe to rotten fig that I love so much in my barley wines. Along with that I tasted grape juice, some caramel, some molasses, chocolate, and a little bit of smokiness. Palate was a little syrupy. Very little carbonation and no head. I kept smacking my licks after each sip. I had it once before about six months ago. It seemed much stronger then. I wonder if this is the same batch that has benefited from more ageing. It's much better now. The 15% alcahol was very well hidden. I still think this could be a classic.

(Draft: O'Brien's in San Diego, CA) Aptly named, this barleywine is frickin' huge and you probably have to be a fan of the style to really enjoy this beer; Flavored like Samiclaus, but sweeter up front, and very complex; The initial flavor is extraordinarily sweet, malty and alcoholic, and it borders on overload; There is a strong bitterness throughout, but the sweet and malty flavor suddenly and dramatically transforms into a very smoky and mildly sour flavor late in the finish that lasts forever; The smoky finish was completely unexpected, but what a great surprise; The sourness prevents the beer from being cloying or overly sweet, so very well done indeed; I don't think I've ever had a beer that undergoes such a dramatic transformation from start to finish; Nose is strong malt, sweet, and alcoholic like a barleywine; Sticky, full bodied palate; Cloudy and ruddy mahogany in color; Tan head fades to nothing within 30 seconds, and so lacing isn't a factor with this beer; Supposedly brewed in 2002, and has been aging (wonderfully, I might add) since then; Packs quite a punch, so have a designated driver or the number for a cab available; Others in the bar had this beer last year and felt it has vastly improved with additional aging, and trying in some months later, they're right!

On tap at the 2003 Toronado Barleywine Festival: Exploding with hop flavor. Way unbalanced and that's okay. Great malt backbone. Huge!!

Had a nooner on tap@O’Brien’s: 2001 vintage brewed by Tom Nickel. Clear dark brown color with just a wisp of off-white foam. Rich dark fruit floral aroma. Rich dark fruit start with sweet cherry, a touch of molassas and a little alcohol. Finish is smooth and semi-dry with a light grapefriut rind bitterness. Full bodied and velvety with moderate carbonation.

On tap at the 2003 Toronado Barleywine Festival. 100+ IBU. Unfortunately, my notes were rather illegible at this point in the festival. Something about "spicey." Or maybe that word is "suckey." At least I wrote 16 next to some scribbles, so I'll just go with that. And hopes it's not the age of the girl that I was talking to.

02.19.05-02.20.05 2002 on tap at Toronado BWF. Lightly clouded tea color/amber, pale. Caramel on nose, floral, amarillo. Thick and sweet palate seems just right for a masive barleywine. Huge hops are tingly, especially for a three year old beer. Citrus. I loved this one and suggested it to late comers all day sunday.

Tap, O’Brien’s. 2001 vintage. Deep amber/ruby pour. Strong syrupy aroma of hoppiness along with alot of maltiness. Deep dark fruity flavors, domininated by raisins and tobacco. Very rich and bold. Somewhat bitter finish. Warming going down. Only a slight hint of alcohol.

9th Annual San Diego Strong Ale Fest: 2002 Vintage Hazy brown with an orange tint and off-white head. Fruity aroma with raisins, malt and dough. Huge malty sweetness in the flavor. More dark fruit and nice aged malt. Very warming. Dry bitter bitter finish. Full bodied and syrupy.