Old Crustacean

i've got to be in the mood for this one. it's a very middle of the road barley wine.

A Great Barllywine!

The 2008 is everything you expect from Old Crustacean Barleywine. It pours a deep amber with some brown thrown in and gives off a medium sudsy / bubbly head that falls to almost nothing. The aroma is big caramel and cherries with just a hint of chocolate. The flavor, as always, has a tongue twistingly bitter hit to it from the Centennial and Chinook hops along with their grassy floral flavor. The smooth sweet caramel comes in at the middle only to be taken over by another wave of lingering bitterness at the finish. There are few barleywines that age better than the Old Crusty. I for one like to age out some of the up front bitterness so it starts smoother but still ends bitter and dry. Put some down for yourself and see what I mean.

Tried one two years ago and can still remember how it burnt the hair out of my nose when I smelled the first time!

Pretty damn good. Very single sided though. It is very well balanced but the chocolate from the roasted barley is almost to much. It dominates and overpowers the hops, I believe they are centennial.

I love over the top Barleywines

Sipping on a 2002 now...
Malty, strong yet smooth and balanced.
An excellent addition to any cellar.

Not one of my favorite barleywines. It used to come in 7oz. bottles.

Just drink it and shut up you'll love it if you have any taste.

barleywine: only for the brave. some are braver than others. myself, i like a bold beer and this delivered in a big way. a big brew for ambitious tastes.