Draft at the Oasis in Citrus Heights (Sacramento). 100 IBU. Rich malty aroma with resiny hop. Very dark mahogany color with fizzy carbonation. Very roasted caramel with pine/resin hop. Definitely some heat, but it does not interfere. Finish is the sweet goes away and leaves all that wonderful bitter. It is a tad harsh.

Samples of the 2005 and 2006 brews at the Sacramento Brewing BW festival. The 2006 version was totally lacking in BW character, perhaps due to the use of lager yeast. There was no discernible maltiness, it was way too bitter (overhopped), and there was an unpleasant petroleum-like finish. The 2005 version was much better and truer to the BW style - slightly sweet and moderately malty with a flowery honey overtone. My rating is a composite (overal for 2005 is 13, 2006 is 8.

4 ounce sample at Sacramento Brewing’s Barleywine Frestival. 2005 Vintage - 2 years old. Faint, lightly vinous, lightly boozy aroma. There are also somelight fruit notes and no hops to be found. Beautiful transparent garnet-amber body with a nice light tan head. Fruity, sweet start with some booziness and grapey vinousness in the middle. Finishes with some dry hops and tannins. Too thin and watery IMO. Seems kind of minty and "green".

Very roasted malt and nuts nose. Very dark and sweet brew. some hops noticeable piney and bitter. Nice soft beer but not big.

02.20.05 Tap at Toronado BWF Darker color with small head. Chill and balanced BW in an everyman style. Strong PNW influence is obvious. A bit sticky and thick, but tasty. Tends toward cloying.