Troubled Monk Brewery Oblation (2016) Barley Wine at 11.76% ABV (C$12.50 at Troubled Monk Brewery, 500 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 26-May-2017, reviewed 26-May-2017)
Appearance: clear deep amber with one finger of creamy beige head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, with decent retention, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: toffee, boozy dark fruit, bourbon, oak. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium slightly slick body, slightly prickly carbonation, sweet boozy slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
Not bad at all. Pleasantly boozy dark malt and fruit, with hints of bourbon and wood. It’s sweet to the point of stickiness, but not really out of spec for the style. The finish leaves a little to be desired, though: once the sweetness fades, there’s a slight lingering astringency. Pretty drinkable overall, though, which is no mean feat for a challenging style. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
