Brouwerij de Molen Rhythm & Blues Barrel Aged American Barleywine at 10.2% ABV ($8.39 at Okotoks Co-Op, 330ml, bottle date 15-Nov-2012 / best before 15-Nov-2022)
Pours mostly clear pale to medium amber with one fingers of off-white head diminishing gradually to a tight cap, some particulate, heavy lacing. (3/5) Nose is oaky wood, red berries, caramel malt, vinous notes. (7/10) Taste is moderate sweet, moderate bitter, spicy alcohol burn. (7/10) Medium body, moderate to low carbonation, warming finish. (4/5)
Whew! Got in under the wire on that 2022 best before date… Pretty decent barleywine, and in fact has picked up a lot of oaky, vinous character from the barrel ageing. Barleywines don’t tend to be my favourite styles, but this one is quite interesting and drinkable. (15/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
