Brouwerij de Molen / Hair of the Dog Binkie Claws = Doggie Claws Barley Wine at 13.4% ABV (C$9.49 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 330 ml, packaged on 5-Aug-2015, best before 5-Aug-2017, acquired 16-Apr-2016, reviewed 9-Jul-2017)
Appearance: opaque medium amber with a short beige head diminishing rapidly to a thin ring, minimal lacing. (3/5) Aroma: toffee, orange, dried fruit. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full slick body, soft carbonation, lingering bitter and warming finish. (4/5)
Yes, I know, hottest part of the year and I’m drinking Barleywine – if brains were black powder, I wouldn’t have enough to blow my nose! In my defence, I’ve been saying for ages that I need to drink down my collection, so instead of buying a bunch of new patio-style beers, it’s Barleywine tonight, and maybe even an Imperial Stout if I stay vertical long enough. As for how this is, well, it’s a decent enough Barleywine. The nose is all about malt and citrus, while on the tongue it’s big bitter and big booze. Dunno what the IBUs are for this thing, but I’m guessing north of 85, and you can definitely taste every iota of the 13.4% ABV. Subtle as a brick, but pretty well done. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
