Stone Old Guardian (Vintages 2004 and later)

Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
Style: Barley Wine
Escondido, California USA

limited early 2008 release, cellared in the fridge at my local grocery--you know; trappist glass; murky, medium copper-brown body with orange highlight; light, small tan head--at first thick and tight, but then quickly dissipates into a frothy ring; nice aroma--sugary raisins, caramel; average flavor--bitter, salty aftertaste; smooth and full mouthfeel--sometimes chewy; nice enough beer that I wonder what would result after good aging.

The previous reviewer took the words out of my mouth -- I think the beer I had was fresh, and I’m pretty sure this could use some cellaring. The nose is cereal and band-aid, and that ain’t good. The color is nice and coppery, with a fair head. First sips are some caramel and earthiness, but then you’re hit with some fairly intense brackish bitterness. This latter soon dominates the palate. I like bitterness, but not this bitterness. I got some alcohol-y brandied fruit on the finish, which is definitely good, but it struggled to break through that brackish taste. As I got through the bottle it seemed that big mouthfuls brought out more of the good flavors, but really, who wouldn’t rather sip a barleywine? So I can’t recommend this, but again, maybe with age...

Think I’d age this if given the opportunity...poured almost ruby with a fleeting cream-colored head. Good deal of alcohol to the nose and initial taste, but not exactly harsh. I’ll give it another shot in a year!

Poured a deep amber with little to no head. Alcohol and malt to the nose. Hoppy, dry finish. Awesome beer all around!

A brew I look forward to each year. I always have some in the cellar as well. Pours a perfect mahogany with a thin, beige head. Smells very malty, with strong caramel, spice, dark fruit and alcohol notes. Incredibly hot this year! Granted it’s fresh as hell, but good God it’s like I’m drinking everclear. Always a good brew, but this years release needs a few months to clean up.

On tap @ Bodega 2008 vintage: Kinda surprised I haven’t rated this yet. Pours a dark amber with a off white head. Aroma, boozy fruits, caramel, sweet malts, some earthy hops. Flavor, at first it’s very hot, and I was put off by it, as it warms it got back to what it should be, sweet caramel malts, generous earthy and citrus hops, some fruits, and a nice bitterness on the finish.

Nice reddish amber pour. Tastes of malts, caramel, candy fruit, and hops. Very smooth mouthfeel. Makes a great sipping beer. Overall a pretty solid barley wine.

Bottled. Aroma of apple and raisin. Hazy, orange coloured with an off-white, thin head. Taste is sweet, grainy with raisin malts, sugar, some caramel and a lot of hops. Straight forward and okay.