
2006 bottle.
A - Nice reddish-amber colored body that is a bit murky. One inch tan head consists of varied sized bubbles and has good staying power. Very sticky lacing.
S - Sweet, sugary caramel malts. Even with a year on it, there are pungent earthy, piney hop aromas. A bit of a bite to it. Fruity and grassy.
T - Starts sugary sweet with some fruit flavors of strawberry. Caramel malts take over, keeping the sweet tones. Earthy, resiny big hops are still here. Slight bitter bite. Finishes grassy and earthy.
M - Medium bodied, but feels heavy on the stomach. Carbonation is a touch prickly, but in now way gets in the way of enjoyment.
D - Really nice barleywine. First time I have actually sat down to review this beer after having many of them. I am amazed that a brewery as big as Sierra Nevada makes beers this good.