This is actually the third release in Sierra Nevada's 30th Anniversary series. I don't review Sierra Nevada's beers enough so I thought it was time for one. Plus I know Henry loves a good barleywine - I was curious to see how he'd react to this one.
3.8
AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 16/20Split a fresh 750ml corked bottle with a friend.
Appearance: Looks like a stout: jet black appearance with HUGE, off-white, foamy head. Not what I expect from a barleywine but it’s definitely inviting.
Aroma: Smells like a cross between an IPA and a stout. Very flowery hop scents with roasted barley undertones + rich fruit/syrup notes typical of a barleywine.
Taste: All floral hops up front, finishes with classic stout flavor of bittersweet chocolate. A little bit of dark fruit flavors. I noticed the flavor homogenized rather quickly. Noticeable alcohol presence. Tasty to be sure, but not super delicious.
Mouthfeel: Not too intense.
Drinkability: For such a hoppy, boozy beer it drinks like something much lower. Not that it’s chuggable, it’s still a sipper at heart.
Overall: A very interesting, unique beer. I’d be interested to see how this ages. Barleywine fans may be thrown for a loop, though.
Grade: 8/10
