Smuttynose Barleywine Style Ale

Brewed by Smuttynose Brewing Company
Style: Barley Wine
Portsmouth, New Hampshire USA

Burgundy color. Sherry-like oxidation is unfortunately, very profound in the aroma. Nuts and ripe fruits are present in the aroma as well, with hints of peanut brittle, caramel corn and mocha. The mouth experience is quite tame, considering the style. Unfortunate oxidation initially on the palate, while on the mid-palate ripe fruity esters and mocha hints are present, which leads into a caramel, port-like finish.

Head is initially small, frothy, off-white, mostly diminishing. Body is hazy dark amber. Aroma is moderately malty (cookie, caramel), lightly hoppy (resin), with a strong note of sherry. Flavor is heavily sweet, lightly acidic, moderately bitter. Finish is moderately sweet, moderately acidic, heavily bitter. Medium to full body, watery texture, lively carbonation, moderately alcoholic. Excessive oxidation hurts this one a bit, rather dull overall, lotsa alcohol in the finish. Not a fan.

No head, copper body. Aroma of sweet malts, extremely oxidized. Taste is big ethanol, more oxidized malt flavors. Finish is slightly bitter, clean.

2004 Bottling, aged 1 year: Pours a pure copper with minimal head, I suppose in true British ale style. Typical barleywine aroma, malt foundation with a strong nose of hops, I would guess cascade or centennial. Flavor is balanced on the side of sweetness, with the hops being prominent early on in the finish, but eventually being taken over again by the maltiness. I tend to like this style of Barleywine, assertive hoppiness without being out of balance or over-hopped. Very nicely done.

Bottle. Poured dark orange with very little head. Aroma had vodka, citrus, graitfuit and pine. A little odd. Taste was so sweet that I personally couldn’t handle it. Still I really like Smuttynose and this was high quality but not my kind of Barley Wine.

From 2003, drank on 10/25/05. Another fine offering from these guys, okay, it helps that I was sitting next to the brewer when I drank this, but it is outstanding. Still a little murky, light plum in color. Still has a pleasant hop pop, but hides the 10% well. Citrus, roasted malt and hops all meted together. I would love to taste this in three years.

Dark copper body, a little hazy, fluffy white head, good lacing. Aroma is hops hops, pine, citrus, and some more hops. Taste is about the same - even though I love hops, this is kind of one dimensional - malts were far far in the background with a little touch of sweetness. Body ended up feeling thin and rough. It was harsh, would aging it help, I dunno.

Pours dark amber with a big orange head. Aroma contains lots of hops (unusual for this style) and alos lots of malt. Flavor is malty and hoppy at the same time. the mouthfeel is smooth and it tends to coat the mouth. Well done beer.