Gusler (2656), Tucson, Arizona, USA Dec 5, 2007 The beer emerges from the 22-ounce bottle a sparkling deep brown, the head a crown of light chocolate, creamy and long lasting, after its final demise the lace forms a thick blanket to cover the glass. Nose has a profound hop floral spiciness at the front, backed by the sweet malt, caramel, and maybe a hint of chocolate, mouth watering. Start has a nice malt sweetness; hop bitter bite to the back, top is moderately full in feel. Finish has a determined acidity, the hops potent and spicy; the alcohol warms the tummy while the aftertaste continues the hop spiciness.
GAManiac (341), Atlanta, Georgia, USA Sep 16, 2008 Pours a hazy copper with a dense tan head that lingers for q while leaving some delicate lacing. Honestly, it looks a lot like an American barleywine...
...and it smells a lot like a barleywine as well. There is an initial citrus hop aroma, but definitely subdued. The smell is dominated by the caramel malts with butterscotch and brown sugar as well.
The taste is much like the smell. I never had it fresh, but I imagine there was a huge hop kick in this at some point. Now it’s almost all malts with a touch of citrus up front and some earthy hop bitterness in the finish. Lots of sugary sweetness and some dark fruits as well.
Mouthfeel is medium bodied with decent carbonation, but it is very smooth and sticks to the mouth throughout.
This beer has aged very well in my opinion though it’s certainly more of a barleywine than an IIPA at this point. Regardless of category, this is a great beer. jjpm74 (3110), Stratford, CT 06614, Connecticut, USA Sep 14, 2008 Pours copper with a thin white head. Smells of citrus, some sweet malt. Tastes citrussy and bitter with a nice hint of dry malt. Mouthfeel is full bodied and enjoyable. SacSirPlato (19), New Buffalo, Michigan, USA Aug 26, 2008 Aged for almost 2 years. This beer is huge. Big on the citrus hops. Big on the malt. Something about these west coast beers really "wow" me and it’s definitely how clean and pronounced the malt is, while still being balanced by such big hops. You get all the flavor from every ingredient. Thank you Stone! AndyReynolds (66), Wilder, Kentucky, USA Aug 26, 2008 Draft. Poured a dark amber with thin dissappating white head, very nice lacing. Aroma was floral hops, with grassy citrus undertone. Very well balanced with a crisp bitter finish. Went down smooth and was very refreshing. 1_2many (231), Ohio, USA Aug 26, 2008 Dayton Alefest sample. Dark amber, average white head and good lacing. Aroma of floral, earthy hops. Flavor has a nice balance of malt sweetness. Very drinkable for 10%. I wish I could get a bottle.
|