Tweet

 

12oz Bottle

2005 Vintage
Bottle #295 of 500

Old Herb is yet another gem sent my way courtesy of BitterBill, thank you Bill! Old herb dumps from the bottle like a big boozy BW should. A gurgle here and there on a hard pour manages to bring about a beige head of one finger atop the murky amber body that sports ruby highlights around the thin edges. The head recedes to a skimming but has a large dense collar of foam that leaves behind sticky lace lines all over the glass.

This barleywine is very floral right from the get go with an earthy/floral honey characteristic I don't find in too many examples of the style. Caramel adds a significant sweetness along with some freshly husked grains. The caramel maltiness leads the charge but figs and golden raisons round out the nose nicely. There isn't the faintest hint of alcohol in here which is a feat in and of itself considering this is an 11% brew.

Rich caramel malty sweetness and that unique graininess the nose suggested lay down the foundation for this beer. Floral honey plays the largest accompanying role while the golden raison becomes vivid on the swallow, like I just ate a handful. Hints of leathery apricot, peach, fig, and tobacco lay gently over the top of all that caramel sweetness. Just like in the aroma there is zero alcohol present in the flavor which is unbelievable considering the abv.

The body is incredibly smooth with mellow carbonation that allows this beer to creep across my tongue. This beer gurgled from the bottle but the feel is that of a full body leaning toward medium.

The lack of any sign of booziness makes this BW a dangerous brew. This is really well put together and a joy to drink. The sweetness stays far enough back to balance which in turn keeps the beer flowing.

This beer was on my "wants" list for a long, long time. Bill surprised me with it one day and I can't thank him enough. If any of you have any 2005 vintage lying around now is the time to open 'em up. Thanks again Bill!

Reviewed; 12/22/08

Served In: Snifter