Style: American Barleywine

ABV: 15.0 IBU: 85.0

99/100

Aroma:	12
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	20
Mouthfeel:	5

Dogfish Head Olde School

What the brewers say

“Fermented with dates and figs, this smooth barleywine has a unique flavor.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “The big bold flavor on the nose carries notes of very deep burnt sugar, alcohol heat, light citrusy hops, lots of malt sweetness, light honey and vanilla, moderate caramel, big toast, and a touch of chocolate.”

Flavor: “Tons of burnt sugar sweetness are reminiscent of a slightly toasted sugar cookie or dark honey. There is also some orange, vanilla, plum, and slight caramel, with hops fruitiness. This doesn’t taste like a 15 percent beer; its finish is quite smooth and even. Moderate hops bitterness (lemony, grassy) helps round out the finish and prevents it from being cloying.”

Overall: “This is a hefty but extremely delicious beer. The blend of fruity notes and aged notes in this beer works, and the smoothness makes it very drinkable. The huge malt bill adds a strong complexity, as well as strong melanoidins—almost like buckwheat honey. Hops are there enough to balance it. Stand up slowly after drinking one of these; the alcohol is hidden extremely well!”

What our editors thought

Review printed in: Big Beers (December 2015-January 2016) (View All Issues)

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How We Review

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Perennial Artisan Ales Vermilion

**Aroma:** “Rich caramel and even molasses-like malt sweetness up front with a range of fruity esters, including raisin, fig, and apricot. Deep port-like aroma with perhaps a faint whiff of herbal hops. Pleasant alcohol warmth. Slight chocolate and toasted tones show up as it warms.” **Flavor:** “Thick chewy malt base delivers on the promises of the aroma. Good, firm bitterness adds to the overall impression without dominating. Reminds me of a liquid fruitcake in a good way (not citrus fruits, but dark ones). Finishes with a pleasant sweetness that lingers.” **Overall:** “This is a delightful English-style barleywine with each of the elements playing well together. It’s like a fine port—warmth in the finish suggests that it might be a little on the young side, but it’s certainly enjoyable now. Put a few of these away to try annually at the holidays.”

Live Oak Brewing Smoked Gose

“Smoky phenolics dominate the nose, coming through as woody, complementing a light spicy phenol. Nice complexity without a hint of campfire. Images of ham hocks come to mind. Once in the mouth, the firm tartness, well-handled salt, smoke, and fruity esters (lemon and tangerine) meld into an interesting flavor that is a nice departure from the crowd. Very light and easy-drinking, but interest is piqued due to the depth of flavors.”

Mad River Brewing Company John Barleycorn

**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.”

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