Style: Barleywine (Wood-Aged)

ABV: 13.5

95/100

Aroma:	12
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	19
Mouthfeel:	5

False Idol Brewing Velsigne

What the brewers say

“English barleywine aged in bourbon barrels for 16 months.”

What our panel thought

“Caramel and toffee notes are countered by oak-forward vanilla notes and an impression of booziness in the nose. Flavor notes align with the aroma with a healthy boozy note countering the rich, layered, malty sweetness. A decadent but uncomplicated sipper.”

What our editors thought

“Reassuring nutty caramel notes in the aroma with a slight floral flair and the requisite bourbon boost. Refined in the sip with a luxurious but taut texture.”

Review printed in: The Expanding Maltiverse (Spring 2025) (View All Issues)

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REVIEWS FOR YOU >

False Idol Brewing Fluffenstein

“Candy, vanilla nose. Unexpectedly stark, dry, with more roast and dark chocolate bitterness coming through. A strong dry roast with lingering subtle fruity sweetness. High-percentage dark chocolate in a glass.”

False Idol Brewing Trespasser

“The barrel is strong on this one, but the nose is more rye or Canadian whiskey. As it warms, more bourbon comes out, with stout in the back. It’s boozy and warming, with the stout tossing in a bit of roast, more in the very front and in the finish.”

False Idol Brewing OG Buff

“Sweet, smooth vanilla aroma, with a soft malt aroma of toast and chocolate behind the vanilla. Flavor features sweet, caramelized malt, smooth chocolate and coffee notes, and vanilla pastries. Quite sweet with vanilla amplifying the sweetness. Some dark cherry liqueur notes in the finish. A big dessert beer!”

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