Haven't had a Barley Wine in a long time. Not at least in a month. 😂 So, let me have one now. The pour looks opaque, deep mahogany. The head emerges interestingly on the surface: from the bottom up as if a nitro powered brew. Basically, the carbonation is fairly decent. The foamy hat isn't taller than one finger, it shows a whipped-creamy texture and colors latte. Very long retention. Awesome! Can't wait to inhale its appealing aromas... Oh yes. Very promising! I get raisin, caramel, sweet malt, date, dried plum, vanilla, dough, a sigh of cacao nibs... A good load of elements, not very unpredictable but even more enjoyable. Raisin, sweet malt, dough, caramel, date, vanilla. Yes, those are the first set of components on the tongue. The dry grassy hops raise their heads, as well. Notwithstanding, what overwhelms me big time is alcohol. It's just manageable and neatly warming, by no means unwelcoming, but ample. I can't miss it. I had to check the ABV, knowing well that BWs are seldom sessionable. Oh mama, this beats 12.5 %. Alright, makes sense. The body should be full at this ABV. Let me see. Well... not huge, at least. Full? Not sure. Medium-full for sure. Maybe somewhere between medium-full and full. Fails a bit my expectations at this strength. The end is pretty similar to upfront. If you like, will you accompany me in a bar? This place is like a deserted island; I'm your Friday and Monday. There's nobody, nowhere, would you still join the aftertaste? Tonight, anchors aweigh; I'm your Friday and Monday. The mouthfeel is medium-full, deep, rich, somewhat round, medium-complex, reasonably alcoholic and warming. Also somewhat dry and drying. All in all, intriguing.

Alkoholin tuoksu on voimakas ja häiritsevä. Maku on hedelmäinen ja siirappinen sekä kuivahko. Jälkimaku on kuivahko. Alkoholi puskee liikaa läpi. Ei ollut omaan makuun tämä bw.

Tämä oli laadukas barley, ei mitään moitittavaa, mutta ei ihan yllä parhaimpien joukkoon.

Parempiakin barley wineja löytyy. Juomakelpoinen silti tämäkin.

Olipa jäykkä juoma...ei pullollista enempää...

Oikein mainio BW. Sopivaa tynnyrinpohjaa ja karvaiskoa siirappisuutta.

No nyt tuoksuu sahti, kieltämättä myös maussa on aavistuksen sahtia pienellä humala puraisulla...