Mad River Brewing Company John Barleycorn
What the brewers say
“Pours rubescent garnet in color with a creamy head. Clove, cinnamon, and grapefruit aromas. A moderately peppery and medium dry malt nish cossets the palate. Ages well with optimum maturity reached at one year and beyond.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Citrusy orange/grapefruit, light caramel, and raisin pair with sweet malt and bready notes. There’s also a moderate plum and a touch of cherry.”
Flavor: “The malt and caramel sweet- ness carry over from the aroma with piney, lemony hops bitterness that hits in the front and holds through the nish. There are nutty and toffee notes with touches of toast, chocolate, plum, and cherry. Alcohol warmth is present and keeps this beer from being too sweet. ”
Overall: “This is a very well rounded, balanced, and straightforward barleywine. The hops choices are boldly resinous without crossing the line into enamel-peeling, and the citrus hops blend well with the plum and cherry notes from the malt. This gains more complexity as it warms. The heat is strong in this one, and it has a nice chewy mouthfeel but is easygoing enough to have a few pints.”
