Schooners Olde Woody Barleywine

From a 6oz bottle, 2005 Vintage. Mostly transparent, light golden amber colored pour with a well sustaining finger of fine bubbled white foam. Remarkably clear and carbonated considering the age. Wonderfully complex nose, bringing out the best qualities of malt, age, and the barrel. Loads of light fruits leap from the glass, suggesting apricot, peach, and green raisin. The level of fruit is just right, as no detrimental oxidation effects are noticeable. The oak adds a wonderful layer of vanilla and spicy wood that integrates smoothly with the fruits. Medium-full bodied, moderately carbonated mouthfeel with a smooth, gently warming finish. Flavors of honey and toffee malt up front, followed by more fruits - apricot, nectarine, peach, and raisin. A spicy barrel character pops up mid-palate along with a wave of vanilla. Long and lingering finish with soft and refined alcohol notes warming the cheeks. Flavors of light fruits and oak dimensions are left behind to tease the palate. Marvelous beer. Thanks for sharing, Julian!

I have probably had this beer, in all its various vintages and permutations twenty times in the last 5 years. After sampling the 2004 edition at the April Northern California Beer Tasting I realized I have never rated this gem. Sorry to Sean and Craig, but I will now rectify this situation. This barley wine poured a amber gold color from the bottle, Small sized white foamy head. The aroma was caramel, brown sugar and dark fruit. A medium to full bodied Barleywine. The malts are caramel, toffee and fruity. Sweet but not cloying. The hops are earthy. Very smooth. Lots of complexity is this beer, there are hint of oak, vanilla and dark fruit. Hides the alcohol very well, there is that warming feeling and a touch of alcohol bite but not much. Excellent beer. This stuff ages wonderfully. Mouthfeel is very full and round. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.

Pours a lovely amber-red with a small foam ring. Aroma is very assertive - lovely, sweet raisins and maple syrup. Very sweet taste - more maple with a touch of diacetyl, mild floral quality. Thick body with good carb. What a treat - this is very, very sweet and I’m a big fan. 2004 vintage, sampled at Oakes Christmas tasting party. Thanks!

’04 vintage. I know I’m the only one who gave this a 5. Maybe it’s because I was a bit buzzed, and the owner and brew master that brewed and brought this ale to the NorCal tasting were sitting right next to me, and it was an incredible evening trying some outstanding ales. Or, maybe it’s just because this was the best barley wine I had ever had. I think it’s the latter. As I drank each sip, they grew smaller and smaller, as I tried to extend the experience of this jewel to last longer than the alloted amount in my glass. It reminded me of Angel’s Share with a smoother finish and a bit better balance. I even kept the bottle it came in. Thanks Sean & Craig! RE-RATE: So after having this again at the Sac Brewfest yesterday, I can say that it definitely was the beer that warranted the rating, and not just the evening on which it was first rated. Even though the brewmaster is total A-hole, I begrudgingly say that it is the best Barlywine I have ever had. Try to get an even year vintage.

2006 Vintage. Can see why this won 1st place at the Bistro Barrel Aged Fest. Copper brown with a thin head. Aroma of sweet alcoholic candy. Oaky alcoholic notes with vanilla, sweet, but not cloying malt. I wish I could write more, but once again, I wont get this again and wanted to give it a number. Simply fantastic. Thanks Mike.