Anniversary Barley Wine Ale - Uinta Brewing Company

Misanthropy_Sipping

Nebraska

4.24/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25

One bottle, given to me from my good friend in Denver!

Pours a nice dirty brown/crimson. Quickly dissipating head, doesn't really seem oily or hugely viscous... but is noticeably fairly thick.

Smells strongly of piney hops. Earthy malts, a tad sweet and a tad boozey. Maybe a very small hint of burnt caramel undertone.

Taste rushes in with a lot of earthiness and booze. There is a pleasant sweetness that is just a bit sticky. Small amount of that burnt caramel taste. There is like a toasty, nuttiness to it... like strongly toasted almonds. The beer creeps away into the piney/herbal hops that have a nice subtle bitterness that lingers. It's noticeably hoppy, but doesn't cut your tongue out like Bigfoot from Sierra Nevada.

Mouthfeel, medium to heavy I would say. The grainy carbonation helps lighten it and is really well done. It remains drinkable, it has some dryness, it has a great carbonation for the style. Just all around perfected for this kind of beer. Slightly tacky/sticky. All is where it should be I feel on the mouthfeel.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. I am not a big hop fan but this is definitely one of the better hoppy barley wines I have had. Bigfoot is almost too aggressive... Nogne #100 is is hopped to the point it doesn't even seem like a barley wine anymore. But this grapples it in and fits the American bill on the style.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2013 02:41:05 | More by Misanthropy_Sipping

JuliusCaesar

New Hampshire

3.98/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

A: Deep brown with shades of red. Good lacing

S: Sweet/toasty malt and light hops

T: Malt sweetness balanced by light hop bitterness. Finishes with toast and a hint of booze

M: Smooth

Overall: I like this beer. The rich malt and toasty aroma is my favorite aspect. It's pretty well balanced and the alcohol is hidden. This is my first beer from Uinta and I'm not disappointed.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2013 00:21:49 | More by JuliusCaesar

OtherShoe2

Massachusetts

3.69/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Pours deep mahogany with no head, but a cream-colored ring of small bubbles. No lace.

Big citric hop nose, some caramel, some dark fruit and alcohol.

Big hoppy note up front. Bitter bread crust, toasted malt, creamy bits, some sugar in the background, but hidden behind the bitterness. Toffee and burnt sugars. Long bitter finish with an alcohol burn at the end.

Full bodied, some tingle.

Good bitter brew here. But much of the complexity I'm sure that went into this ends up hidden behind a massive bitter wall of hops. I wanted rich complexity and I got an overdone overhopped beer. I appreciate the effort, but I won't be having this again.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2013 23:38:27 | More by OtherShoe2

superspak

Michigan

3.9/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 ounce bottle into tulip glass, bottled on 12/22/20111. Pours very hazy and cloudy; almost opaque dark brown color with a 1 finger dense light khaki head with good retention, that reduces to a thin cap that lingers. Spotty soapy lacing clings on the glass. Aromas of caramel, toast, pine, raisin, toffee, brown sugar, brown bread, citrus zest, floral, and piney earthiness. Nice aromas with good balance and complexity; but are pretty weak for a barleywine. Taste of toffee, toast, caramel, raisin, brown sugar, pine, brown bread, floral, grapefruit, orange zest, light chocolate, and toasted earthiness. Light pine bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of toffee, caramel, toast, raisin, pine, brown sugar, brown bread, grapefruit, orange zest, light chocolate, and toasted earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice balance of malt complexity; with a good amount of hop balance; and zero cloying flavors present after the finish. Medium carbonation and medium-full bodied; with a creamy, slick, and fairly sticky mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a slight warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a very nice barleywine style. Good balance and complexity of malt and hop flavors; and very smooth to sip on. A very enjoyable offering.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2013 03:50:33 | More by superspak

CraftBeerTastic

Pennsylvania

4.46/5  rDev +16.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Ba Review #258
Served On: 2/25/2013
Glassware: Duvel Glass
Labeled ABV: 10.4%
Date/ Code: 11/27/12

This was a 12oz bottle from Ye Old Spirit Shop in Frederick.

Look: super deep ruby red color with amazing clarity. The head was a thin coating of patchy tan foam. Carbonation level was low. Inconsistent lacing formed rings thought the session.

Smell: Pungent grapefruit with sweet syrupy malts. Also come caramelized brown sugar and dark fruit notes.

Taste: Up first was the super tart grapefruit with the sweet caramelized sugar kicking in towards the middles. A warming sensation was followed by a quick roasted quality. The finish was some nutty booze balanced with a lingering licorice sweetness.

This was a very well done Barley Wine. The complexity level was slightly higher than a SN Bigfoot, probably because the hop profile seemed dialed down a bit. Also do yourself a favor and let this one get some time on it before diving in.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 17:58:39 | More by CraftBeerTastic

harrymel

Washington

2.13/5  rDev -44.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.5

Bottled 07JAN13

Dark brown with ruby hues, a thick quilt of light caramel. Smells uber-fruity: plums, raisin, some spiced persimmon. Then there's a hit of brewer's licorice, vanilla, and burnt sugar mixed with vinyl. Taste is booze, then some bitterness, then some sweet malts, then some more booze. Really can taste the ethanol here - in a bad way. Medium body with moderate, tickle carb and a semi dry finish. I'm uncertain I'm gonna finish this. Waaaay too boozy.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2013 08:59:29 | More by harrymel

LiquidAmber

Washington

4.05/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured into an Elysian snifter. Pours a dark mahogany brown with a fine one finger light tan head with good retention and lacing. Classic barleywine aroma of dark and dried fruit, caramel malt, light pine and citrus hops. Flavor follows aroma with caramel malt, dark dried fruit, citrus. Finishes semi-dry with grassy and pine hop bitterness. Alcohol warming, but well covered. Medium to heavy bodied with some creaminess. Flavor is somewhat subdued, but well integrated and with a nice flavor progression. The flavor drops off a bit in the finish to reveal the hops, which are nicely presented. Well made and enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2013 03:09:44 | More by LiquidAmber

Jwale73

Rhode Island

3.89/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz. bottle served in a tulip. Bottled on 9/20/2012 on the label. Pours a chestnut brown with red highlights when backlit. Clarity is semi-hazy and head is a quarter-inch, cream-colored and frothy. Head eventually disperses into a tight band around the shoulders with an oily slick across the surface. Sheets and clusters of lacing exhibit excellent retention during the tasting and are refreshed with each tilt of the glass. Nose expresses some malty sweetness, candied prunes and piney hops. Taste follows nose; however, the piney hops are quite forward and suppress the malty sweetness. There's also a touch of chocolate in the flavor profile. Mouthfeel is medium-light with a lively carbonation and a slightly oily texture. Overall, a pretty good small format, easily accessible American Barleywine. Alcohol is really quite well-hidden. It might be worth putting a couple of these in the cellar to see what happens as the hops character dissipates over time.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 02:34:23 | More by Jwale73

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.76/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Bottled on 10/12/12. Poured into a snifter.

Dark brown pour with a buttermilk head. Elevated-height pour yielded a 3/4" head that has nearly stuck. It's still here after 90 seconds or so. I like the dark look.

Dark fruits and some hops. Grapefruit, raisin, toffee, citrus rind, booze, minor caramel notes, and some very light pith. Straightforward and good.

Tastes sweeter than the nose hinted at. The hops are still very fresh and oily, but there's a good heap of malt sugar trapped within. Notes of bright roastiness, dry date flavors, booze, crisp toffee, and pine/citrus hops. Definitely, picking up some grapefruit rind amidst the malt smack. Beer turns out to be more balanced than I'd suspect. Clearly an American representation. Hints of tea-like tannin, noteworthy when speaking of the finish. Relative freshness speaks of the hops that punch.

Drinks with some swooshy heft. The body is plus-plus. Carbonation is no stranger, either. Got some scruffiness.

A nice little barleywine. Maybe it's lacking defining character, but it tastes carefully crafted. Wouldn't choose it above others that are easily-attainable, but I woudn't knock it either.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 05:47:50 | More by thecheapies

HardTarget

Texas

3.7/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Appearance: Murky amber glass glows translucently and manages to hold a thin cover of light tan foam. Full halo leaves sticky lace.

Smell: Big nose, full of malty sweetness with a light black bread topped with jammy fruits. Rum raisin, plum, and dates make up the fruit elements. Little toffee and alcohol round out the picture.

Taste: The promise of the nose is slightly compromised by the heavy alcohol which thins everything out just a bit. Sugary base reminds me of a Sugar Daddy candy. Hops don't show up on the radar, the balance is heavy toward sweet, almost cloying.

Mouthfeel: Heavy body is slick and slow to fade. Carbonation is low, alcohol is numbing.

Overall: A big bold barley wine, a good celebration. Could use some cellaring to cool the alcohol a bit, but a nice slow sipper for a gloomy day.

Big Thanks to Illudium for the sample!

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2013 22:51:03 | More by HardTarget

CHADMC3

Connecticut

4.28/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a deep chestnut body with ruby hues and is surprisingly transparent. The generous head is a dense, dark tan and extremely slow to dissolve leaving a scattered ring of lacing clinging to the glass.

Abundant floral hops leap from the glass as well as pine and grass notes with sweet malt and vinous notes to follow. This is certainly an American style.

The flavor is superb combining the traditional rich vinous notes of the English style with the floral and grass hop notes of the American. The resiny hop notes really coat the tongue with the pungent floral flavors that do not overwhelm and fade as the sweet malt and vinous characteristics aid the finish.

This brew is a bit chewy with medium carbonation and a puckering, pungent coating of hops on the tongue and a vinous finish.

This is a great Barleywine, absolutely delicious. One of the best I’ve had. An unbelievable malt/hop balance and so much to appreciate.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2013 01:25:41 | More by CHADMC3

ngeunit1

California

4.33/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Dark brown with some ruby mixed in and a finger of frothy tan-khaki colored head. Fades normal.

S - Sweet caramel malts, caramelized and brown sugars, grapefruit, citrus, and some pine hops, a hint of dark fruit, and a bit of booze.

T - Sweet caramel malts, grapefruit, tropical, citrus, and pine hops, some good bitterness, brown sugar, caramelized malts, a touch of dark fruit, and some booze.

M - Medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth with a warming, sweet, and lightly bitter finish.

D - Nice hoppy barleywine. Great overall balance and smoothness.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 02:18:35 | More by ngeunit1

coreyfmcdonald

Georgia

3.4/5  rDev -11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle into a snifter, Sixteenth Anniversary Ale, bottled on 9/10/09

A: Pours a very dark amber color with two fingers of beige colored head. Retention is very good, lacing is excellent.

S: Not a very strong aroma, I get prunes and some faded piney hops. I also get some bready malts and toffee, but they are in the background of an already weak aroma. The aroma opens up as the beer warms

T: Much better than the aroma, I get strong bready malts upfront with some toffee and a bit of prunes. Hop bitterness is moderate. This beer remains quite dry for the style.

M: Medium mouthfeel with creamy carbonation.

O: This beer is very dry for the style, but quite nice. It's over 3 years old, but I get very little oxidation flavor. I enjoyed this.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2013 21:37:17 | More by coreyfmcdonald

cocojoe

Oregon

3.85/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle into a snifter

Bottled on 03/07/12

A: Dark amber brown color, finger of tan head

S: Very sweet, a lot of floral hop aroma, dark red wine soaked raisins, crisp and zesty. Mild perception of alcohol.

T: Toasty, some metallic qualities (I thought I noticed this at first, but don't taste any notes of it as it goes on), smoothe, floral, dark fruits and caramel. The high alcohol is well covered but does leave a nice warmth. Leaves smoothe and fairly well balanced.

M: Full but not syrupy. Nice balance.

O: I tend to prefer english style barleywines that don't have as strong of hop character, but especially for the price, this one is definitely worth it. Has all that nice barleywine malt character, with a hop quality that balances everything out nicely. Drinks very smoothe and easy.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2013 04:21:56 | More by cocojoe

mschind

California

3.83/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottled in June 2012; old enough to drink but could get better with age.

A- Dark reddish brown, clear with a thin head but good lacing.

S- Sweet grainy malt with some spicey hop notes.

T- Surprisingly hop forward for a barley wine and it works. The hop bitterness cuts the malty sweetness and leads to a balanced finish. The alcohol is well masked but creates a fruity sweetness that adds to the complexity.

M- Medium body, smooth feel, nice carbonation. Some age might lead to a more velevty texture.

O- A potent brew for malt lovers with a great hop kick. Not very complex but that could come with age.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 00:43:06 | More by mschind

Mebuzzard

Colorado

3.93/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is the XVI version I've had in my cellar for a while.

Pours a deep ruby, rustic brown color. A slick white head of 1 finger. Lacing is splotchy. Looks like a barelywine fer sherr

Caramel, vanilla, leather and blackberry in the nose. A bit sharp earthy hops, which have lost their pizzazz in time of sitting. Sharp pear and apple. Booze

Rich, sweet flavor. Caramel, oak, earthy pine, vanilla leather in the flavor. Sharp bitterness cleans up the sweetness, which then comes back on the end. Nice

This is a bitter beer, but not puckering or super dry. It's welcomed since the sweetness could get out of hand quickly. Very drinkable for the abv, which isn't shy.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2012 07:24:15 | More by Mebuzzard

brewskifan55

Mississippi

3.88/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a tulip glass

A: Opaque, dark brown. A tan, one finger head that turns to big bubbles. Thick lacing.

S: Piney hops, Chocolate.

T: Comes on like a stout. Smooth and sweet with light hops followed by a flood of dark chocolate.

M: Medium to heavy. Frothy carbonation.

O: A very solid sipper. Take your time and enjoy with some gouda cheese.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 15:37:50 | More by brewskifan55

cvm4

Mississippi

3.85/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours a reddish brown. leaves a light tan one finger head.

S - Sweetness... Malts, toffee and caramel.

T - Barleywine through and through with a nice bit of hop bite at the end.

M - Medium bodied, really smooth. The carbonation really sets it apart.

O - Very good and on point. You get enough of the barleywine aspect of the beer and some hops as well. Nicely done!

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 00:57:49 | More by cvm4

mactrail

California

3.98/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a beautiful golden chestnut color in the brandy glass. A decent cap of foam and enough carbonation to add a little spritz to each mouthful.

A sweet and malty richness is balanced by an assertive hop aroma and flavor. The hops are full and toothsome with a lot of leafy flavors. The bitterness stops just at the right level. It would be interesting to blind-taste this with SN Bigfoot. The rich malt flavor dries out as you sip, and the dark caramel and roasted flavors are more savory than candy-like. A great blend of robust grain flavors, lots of warming alcohol, and a burning, aromatic hoppiness.

This used to be about the only barley wine sold in Utah. I'm glad to see it elevated from occasional to year-round. From the 12 oz bottle bought at the Utah Liquor Store in Sugar House.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 06:23:33 | More by mactrail

augustgarage

California

3.93/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This seems a fitting libation to celebrate the anniversary of the repeal of prohibition with...bottled on June 1st, 2012. Poured vigorously from a 12oz bottle into my Spirit Sippers snifter.

Burgundy/cardinal body glows a bright electric crimson/raspberry when held to the light. A small upthrust of dense beige suds coats the surface and thick tears draw down a cascade of fine lacing. Very good retention.

Candied ginger and orange zest in the nose - fresh plum and ripe berries are joined by notes of honey and barley. A potent enlivening aroma with bright esters and fruity hop notes.

Deep malty palate entry - a touch sweet at first, like over-ripe cherry (with a tiny hint of cough syrup), though this quality subsides as the malt begins to take over. Very slight toast with stewed fruit and a moderately bitter spicy/citrus/pine-nettle kick from the hops. Finishes medium-dry. Warming but not hot, the alcohol is well integrated.

Weighty yet smooth, full bodied mouth-feel with good carbonation.

Not a complex barley-wine, but well balanced and decently crafted.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2012 06:20:56 | More by augustgarage

metter98

New York

3.85/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: The beer is very dark reddish brown in color (black when viewed from afar) and has a light amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a thin but dense tan head that quickly died down leaving lacing on the surface and a collar around the edge of the glass.
S: There are aromas of citrusy hops in the nose plus notes of caramel and toffee from the malts. These become more balanced as it warms up.
T: The taste is similar to the smell and has a moderate amount of bitterness from the hops and especially lingers through the finish. The malty flavors become stronger as the beer warms up.
M: It feels medium- to full-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This is a very hoppy and bitter barleywine—something that hopheads could enjoy (especially if they drink it cold). If you are looking for something with more complexity you need to let this one fully warm up to let the malty flavors develop a little more. The alcohol isn't that noticeable in the taste.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 02:34:13 | More by metter98

bcostner1

Tennessee

4.08/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottled 6/17/11; reviewed 11/26/12.

A: Really a nice looking beer. Rich, deep, ruby red undertones mixed with some burnt orange and mahogany. Rich head that leaves long lasting vestiges around the glass and the surface of the liquid.

S: Malt, toffee, caramel, and hints of figs and raisins.

T: Follows the nose with lots of toffee, caramel, dark fruits (figs, dates, raisins) and a strong malt backbone. Faint hints of maple syrup and molasses. Mild booze and nice subdued hops on the finish.

M: Pretty easy drinker at 10+% but I think the age has something to do with that for sure. Nice body and not overly done. No alcohol burn whatsoever. Very satisfying.

I drank one of these about 8 months post bottling and reviewed this one at about 18 months post bottling. It is for sure better now than fresher. The time really did help this one along as far as calming down the booziness and helping the alcohol and hops to meld into the caramel and toffee. Solid barleywine for sure. Glad I have 2 more 12oz to sit on for a while longer.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2012 23:42:12 | More by bcostner1

ummswimmin

New Jersey

4.03/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I poured this beer into a fat tulip glass and received about two fingers of sticky head from the initial pour. The coloring is very deep reddish/brown.

This beer smells very sweet with a lot of sticky toffee there. This is a thorough, strong barleywine. You get a lot of venous qualities. I like the heat coming from the alcohol.

This is a very good example of a barleywine. I wish I had some bottles in my basement aging for the next ten to fifteen years.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 01:47:31 | More by ummswimmin

Amalak

New York

4.1/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I got this in Nov 2012, if that makes a difference on the style.

A. An extremely deep brown/red color. A nice brownish foamy head that dissipates relatively quickly and leaves some lacing down the side.

S. It has a lemony and soap-ish scent. Malts.

T. There is a strong dark-fruit maltiness to it. A mild nuttiness and perhaps a banana hint.

M. It is very smooth with a tangy undertone.

O. Good and flavorful. Sometimes a barley wine can go heavy on the alcohol and feel almost like vodka was added, but this is tamed but still has an intriguing taste.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2012 00:46:28 | More by Amalak

tony223366

California

4.05/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Really beautiful ruby color. Fantastic clarity. There's a little brown in that as well. Really rich color. Head is ok, about 2 fingers and does dissipate rather quickly. Nice lacing though. I think this is another beautiful beer. I also feel like most brewers get this right. Good job guys.

S: Awesome smelling Barley Wine. Huge toffee with some dark fruits (typical old world fruits) and some berries? Malts come in a bit chocolaty too. I do get some citrusy hops but not a lot. Smells really decadent and I'm hoping the flavor delivers!

T: The flavor delivers! So you get that classic English Barleywine sweetness at first. A lot of that caramel and rich dark fruits. It's entirely decadent... but then the finish adds just enough hop bitterness to balance and make this more than the casual sipper that English Barleywines are. Good stuff.

M: My favorite part of this! Really fluffy and smooth. It feels really nice in the mouth. Good carbonation to clean your palate with those hops.

O: Better than I remember it! I remember liking it but this is a great American Barleywine. I'm a big fan of what Uinta does!

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2012 04:38:33 | More by tony223366