Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale 2005 - Stone Brewing Co.

grapemaster

California

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

I spent some time cleaning my apartment (fist time in a while) and rewarded all of my hard work with an Old Guardian. I had been anticipating this bad boy for some time. It poured out a nice copper color, quite decieving for a beer of this potency. I sniffed and sipped, and then I sipped some more. It was slightly hoppy with some sweet tones in between. For a second I could almost taste the wine, but then the alcohol struck at the end and reminded me that I was instead immersed in a beer. It tasted good and went down smooth, but after only a short time of drinking this 11.2%, 20 oz. bottle, I decided that this is for sure a drink that would best be suited for sitting back, and enjoying any one of your favorite activities. I myself ate a delciious meal, try one for yourself.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2005 03:10:49 | More by grapemaster

Dicahomebrewing

New York

4.72/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

One of my favorite beers ever...i have to say. A rich copper color with a great lacing head.

Smell of hops and berries, with alcohol present.

Mouthfeel is smooth and rich with a great after taste. Wonderful going down and after a few it will creep up on you.

I Highly recomend this beer to everyone to enjoy now or age.
I have a few ageing at this time. Very tempted to drink them but i'll wait for a while.

Overall great brew by stone. Very drinkable for a barleywine at 11%.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2005 18:28:20 | More by Dicahomebrewing

bovinecrusader

California

4.6/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

[On tap @ Naja's Vertical Barleywines. Cheers to you, Martin)

Pours a gilded, brassy note..almost TOO shiny, as one feels inexorably compelled to drink it. Sand-colored head immediately dissipates with a soft off-white sheen.

Mouthfeel? Uber-creaminess front-to-mid palate, but finishes with just enough lifting Fruitcake spice to warn you of its underlying indulgence.

Huge: brandy soaked apricots, undercooked/overspiced ginger bread, and spruce-tip-infused hops bitterness.

Drinkability? Its like liquid peer pressure emanating from a glass. Truly a testament to aging, and its benefits upon Beerdom.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2009 09:45:46 | More by bovinecrusader