Scuttlebutt Old No 1 (Vintages 2004 and later)

Brewed by Scuttlebutt Brewing Co.
Style: Barley Wine
Everett, Washington USA

12-oz., 2008 vintage. Slightly hazy medium amber that looks almost black without light behind it. Thick, creamy tan head with plenty of webby lace. Big boozy, buttery, caramelly nose. Creamy, slightly woolly body that could stand to be a bit thicker. As it is, it is a little shy of medium. Dark wood, wet leaves, biscuit, caramel, butterscotch, and vodka on the mid-palate. Too harsh and hot to really enjoy, though the the combination of flavors looks nice enough on paper. Hot, dry finish. Not sure if age will help this much. The flavors do not have much power as it is, and this will need at least a couple years for the booze to settle down. By then, the flavors will not have much power left at all.

Average barely wine. slightly too bitter finish that lasts a bit too long. But the best beer produced by the nearest brewer to my home. Unfortunately this is only available this year in bottles.

Getting notebook online. Bottle, 2005. This was aged just over a year I believe. Stroung prune and raisin flavors. A nice sweetness to it. Very thick and chewy mouth to it. Overall pretty solid.

Dark red, with a small off-white head. Sweet and fruity nose. Flavor is carmalized sugar with a touch of prunes on the finish. Very light and clean on the end.

Name: Old No. 1
Date: 07/04/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: Trade

Appearance: clear dark red, scant beige head,
Aroma: dark caramel aroma with a slightly tart fruity character,
Flavor: rich dark caramel flavor, nice fruity character adds sweetness, light balancing earthyness,

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.3/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **+/4

Bottle. Bronish beer with no head. Sweet malt, caramel, light alcohol aroma with light citrus backing. Caramel, malt flavor with enough hops to keep things fresh tasting. Medium body. Lingering malt and light backing pine. Hops keep things lively, but are in background. Alcohol present in aroma, but light and well hidden in flavor.

06 vintage. Pours a brown amber with a thin off whtie head. Strong candy sugar aroma, some malts. Flavor was more malt, light cherry, plums, grapes. Finishes slightly syrupy. Claims 12% on the bottle, I can’t believe that. Seems a bit thin, no burn at all.

06 Vintage. Pours a dark brown with no head. Aroma is mostly caramel. Tastes of sugar, dark fruit, caramel, more sugar, and little earthy taste. Finishes with a warming sweet taste. Palate remains sticky and sweet throughout brew. Thanks to OldMrCrow for this brew.