Stone Brewing Company Old Guardian (2015) American Barleywine at 11.2% ABV | 80 IBU (C$10.25 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, packaged on 7-Feb-2015, acquired 21-Apr-2015, reviewed 1-Jul-2018)
Appearance: clear deep amber with one fat finger of creamy ivory head, good retention and well-defined soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: caramel & toffee, oak, nuts, toasted bread. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, high bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium slick body, moderate-high carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter warming finish. (4/5)
Super smooth despite the high bitterness. Three years’ cellaring has not harmed this at all – just the opposite, it would seem. There is of course not a lot of hop character left, but I wouldn’t have expected that to be a major factor even when it was young. Given the style, I’m a little surprised by the lively carbonation, but it’s not a negative. It certainly seems to be continuing the trend that, the longer I let these OGs cellar, the better they get. Gonna be interesting to try my last, now five-year-old one, maybe tomorrow. (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
