 GeneralGao (3051), Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Jan 3, 2009 FoBAB 2008. Poured a clear light orange color with an off white head that laced the glass. Smelled of cotton candy, caramel, and toffee with subdued barrel imparted notes of bourbon and vanilla. Full bodied and sweet with cotton candy, bourbon, vanilla, and dark fruit. A raw alcohol note detracted a bit, but this was a good beer.
dm9831 (1167), Monee, Illinois, USA
Dec 17, 2008 slightly hazy gold orange, tiny bubbles rim glass. nose of sweet fruit, mild bourbon and caramel. bourbon is the first thing i notice in the flavor, followed by the dry fruitiness. smooth. much too smooth for the 12 percent abv. kinda oily mouth feel, bourbony finish. alcohol is too well hidden for me. on tap at rb chicago.
Cornfield (4892), Oak Forest, Illinois, USA
Dec 10, 2008 At the brewpub: It poured a slightly hazed pale amber with a thick head and provided solid lacing. The aroma was boozey and had scents of toffee, red sweet cherries, vanilla, and a light hint of wood. Smooth and warming on the tongue. The flavor held more Bourbon and alcohol notes, but they blended well with the other sensations noted above. Very nice.
NobleSquirrel (1094), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nov 19, 2008 Fobab VI. as Clare’s Happy Ale. Okay, first of all, I generally am not a fan of the English style BW. Why did I like this one so much? Bourbon nose, candy, vanilla. Fair amount of English hops, though they jumpes out with some spice. Very smooth and Very nice.
jarspag (593), Los Angeles, California, USA
Oct 28, 2008 GABF ’08 - labeled Clare’s Happy Ale. Same beer, yes? I LOVED this little bastard...at least 5 samples. I tend to enjoy the sweeter, rich vanilla/oaky barrel-ed beers. So it’s no surprise I prob enjoyed this more than most. Velvety smooth, soothing on the palate, liquid candy soaked w/ a delicious bourbon burn. Whatever I drank here was def better than Ugh’s 3.2!!!!
hapjydeuce (763), Del Mar, California, USA
Oct 26, 2008 Sampled at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival. Listed on Rock Bottom Chicago’s booth as Clare’s Happy Ale. I assume this was the same beer based on rater descriptions and %alc. Hazy yellow color that pours still. Instant aroma of vanilla creme, oak wood and whiskey. Incredibly smooth flavors of melted caramel, potpourri, and more oak barrel. Smooth palate with a big warming alcohol finish. This was one of those hidden treasures at the festival, with no line for the booth, Jared & I had our fair share of this. Dank!
SQNfan (591), Wheaton, Illinois, USA
Sep 7, 2008 On tap at the brewery: deep golden/orange/light brown in color with very little head and what it did have faded quickly. This was rich and concentrated with a wonderful oily and rich mouthfeel which led to a lingering finish. The oak was integrated beautifully adding to the complexity without poking out.
kp (8400), Woodstock, Georgia, USA
Aug 18, 2008 Name: BA Barleywine
Brewery: Rock Bottom Brewery
Date: 08/09/2008
Mode: Draft
Source: Brewfest, Great Taste
Words: Chicago
Appearance: hazy gold, wispy beige head,
Aroma: sweet and fruity caramel malt aroma,
Flavor: rich and sweet malt flavor, lots of fruity character, light balancing bitterness,
Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 6/10; Flavor: 8/10; Palate: 7/10; Overall: 15/20
Rating: 3.7/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **4
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