Sunday, May 4, 2008

Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine Style Ale


So my dad was cleaning out the cellar and found this bottle aging in the dark. It was covered with dust and he estimated it was 2-3 years old.

Appearance: Glowing brick red with 7/8 finger of head. More inviting than a $100 dollar bill laying lonely on the street.

Smell: Heaven to the nose. Earthy hops and caramel malts all built in with complex aromas that change every time I take a big whiff.

Taste: If it didn't make me an alcoholic, I would drink this for breakfast, lunch, dinner & desert. The hops of this barleywine are magnificent, especially as you let this get warmer. It reminds me of a butterscotch/caramel sweetness mixed in with Crown Royal Special Reserve and the smell of hops. :)

Mouthfeel: The alcoholic taste is there, but it is so hidden by the complexities of the beer that it does not even alter your impressions. Smooth and velvety; an absolute perfect touch to the palate.

Drinkability: 10.2% abv at 85-90 IBUs. This is a serious barley wine with attitude. I don't give this out often, but definitely 10/10. It might have had to do with age, but it was perfect. Great Divide Brewing Company out in Colorado has it going on!!

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