Style: Barley Wine

ABV: 13.4 IBU: 42.0

94/100
Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 19
Mouthfeel: 4

Firestone Walker Sucaba 2016

What the brewers say

“Big, boozy bourbon and American oak aromas combine with soft chocolate malty undertones. Complex malt flavors are framed in oak with hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, coconut, and just a touch of dark cherry.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Cedar character up front complemented by a caramel note with a very light toffee note. Earthy hops aroma with brown sugar, rum, vanilla, and slight cinnamon on the nose as it warms. There’s grape and date, a touch of coconut, and the more traditional toffee, burnt sugar, and even more toffee.”

Flavor: “Rich caramel and bread crust malt. Well-placed hops bitterness with some alcohol warmth that cuts the sweetness. Wonderfully balanced, strong flavors complement rather than compete. Lighter body than expected with medium carbonation. Still feels slightly restrained—the barrel, chocolate, and fruit characters could be amplified a bit.”

Overall: “Very rich, very boozy. Yet still balanced in the sense that it’s pretty over the top. May be best for sharing.”

What our editors thought


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