95 Obsessed Barley Wine, Fort Collins Brewery (CO). 9.6% ABV (2/13)
Mahogany brown color. Rich aromas of cacao nibs, praline and fruit compote with a chewy, fruity full-body and a long cornucopia of fruits, nuts, grainy pasty and peppery hops. A spectacular and super balanced barley wine; try with chocolate desserts.
94 Broad Shoulders Barleywine, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL). 8.3% ABV (4/11)
Deep copper color. Rich toffee and honeyed date toast aromas with a supple, chewy dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and an orange marmalade, nut and grapefruit finish. Delicious and balanced.
94 2012 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale, Stone Brewing Co. (CA). 12% ABV (3/13)
Deep copper color. Aromas of grapefruit buttercream, dried peach, blossoms and toffee with a crisp, chewy, fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a long, buttery fruit cake, grapefruit zest, brown sugar and pine finish. A serious, well hopped and age worthy barley wine that will improve with time.
92 XVII Anniversary Barley Wine, Uinta Brewing Co. (UT). 10.4% ABV (4/11)
Deep reddish copper color with a fine taupe head. Rich aromas of baked citrus, caramelized nuts, fig toast and tomato chutney with a round, zesty fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and grilled root vegetable and citrus finish with frisee-like hops. Very tasty.
91 Old Crustacean Barley Wine, Rogue Ales (OR). 11.5% ABV (4/11)
Deep hazy copper color with a light tan head. Aromas of chocolate-drizzled raisin scone, grilled grapefruit, praline and pine cone with a chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a zesty, braised root vegetable, cracked pepper and dandelion greens finish.
91 Noggin Floggin Organic Barleywine, Hopworks Urban Brewery (OR). 11% ABV (3/12)
Bright orange marmalade on herb bread aromas with a crisp, chewy fruity medium-full body and a long, warming mint, peppery jelly and piney hop-accented finish.
89 Bridge Burner Special Reserve Ale, Lakefront Brewery (WI). 8% ABV (3/12)
Deep brown color. Aromas of pickled okra, leek, chocolate and turnip with a crisp, dryish medium body and a sweet toffee and spicy hop finish.
89 Samuel Adams Griffin’s Bow Barley Wine, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 10% ABV (3/13)
Rich vanilla cream, candied ginger, yuzu gelato and piney herbs notes aromas with a supple, chewy, dry-yet-fruity full body and a cherry bonbon, medicinal herb and bark, Asian tea, pine sap and cedar finish. A bold, in-your-face barley wine that demands attention. Will be better with age.
88 Schell’s Stag #7 Barleywine Style Ale, August Schell Brewing Co. (MN). 9.5% ABV (3/13)
Aromas and flavors of toast, caramel and molasses with a supple, chewy fruity medium-full body and a tangy, soy, rye, pepper and earthy nut finish.
87 Singleton Barleywine Style Ale, Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (NC). 8.86% ABV (3/12) %{Brewpub}
Deep amber color. Roast grain and gilled citrus and peach aromas with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a chewy, roasted root vegetable and pepper hop finish. A nice lighter-styled barley wine choice for the table; try with pork.
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