Central City Brewers + Distillers Thor’s Hammer (2014) American Barleywine at 11.5% ABV | 85 IBU (C$9.64 at NLC Stavanger, 650 ml, bottle date 2-May-2014, acquired 8-Oct-2015, reviewed 7-Jan-2017)
Appearance: slightly hazy amber-brown with a short loose beige head diminishing rapidly to a thin ring, minimal patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: boozy caramel malt, dried fruit, nutty, vinous, light pine. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter, light tart. (7/10) Palate: medium slightly slick body, moderate to low carbonation, lingering boozy bitter and lightly tart finish. (4/5)
I didn’t try this when I first bought it new more than a year ago, but I’m sure the additional year’s (and then some) cellaring hasn’t harmed it any. Perhaps the slight resiny pine hop note would’ve been more pronounced when new, but I doubt it, since it was already aged a year prior to release. There’s no hiding the 11.5% ABV even with extended ageing, but that being said it’s not solventy or excessively hot. No major character changes took place between opening it chilled (~10ºC) and allowing it to sit at room temperature for over an hour. A solid and enjoyable sipper. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
