Brewsters Brewing Company Blue Monk Bourbon Barleywine (2016) American Barleywine at 11.8% ABV | 60 IBU (C$7.79 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 330 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 17-Feb-2017, reviewed 9-Jul-2017)
Appearance: clear medium amber with one finger of rocky light beige head diminishing gradually to a thin skim, patchy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: orange peel, bourbon, bready caramel malt, toasted coconut, dark fruit, oak, resin. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full slightly slick body, soft carbonation, lingering bitter and warming finish. (4/5)
Well, that’s a bit of a pleasant surprise. Unlike last year’s version, which I found a little edgy even after a year’s cellaring, this is quite mild. In addition to a restrained note of bourbon and oak, I’m getting toasted coconut as well. This is really mellow, well-balanced, and surprisingly easy-drinking for the weight. Unlike last year’s, this one actually represents a clear improvement over the base version. Now I’m really interested to see what this becomes after a year or two of cellaring! (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
