Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale 2006 - Stone Brewing Co.

arizcards

Arizona

4.53/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at the Bistro this past Wednesday for $5.00 for an 8 oz snifter. Reviewed from notes.

Beer poured orange with a nice off white head.

Nose was still quite pungent of floral hops. Amazing after all this time.

Taste was extremely well balanced. Grapefruit bitterness was still alive and well balanced nicely with a huge malt backbone.

Mouthfeel was exquisite, full bodied and extremely smooth.

Drinkability was very good. Wow, this was a gem. In the past I have primarily had the Old Guardians fresh and although they are good this proves that aging does wonders for some brews. Definitely try this if you are at the Bistro!

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2011 00:49:50 | More by arizcards

HopHead84

California

4.33/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2/19/2011

On tap at Stone apposed next to the 2011 vintage.

A: Hazy dark orange with a large yellowish white head. Good retention and scattered lacing.

S: Aromatic candied grapefruit with a rich caramel and toffee presence. Oxidation is graceful and complementary. Alcohol is well hidden. Gives the overall impression of malt richness and depth with an overtone of citrus and resinous hop aromatics. Very nice.

T: Sugary caramel with faint oxidation notes. Upper moderate bitterness with notes of pine and candied grapefruit. Somewhat boozy but there's a lot of flavor to overshadow that aspect. The finish displays an increase in bitterness with lingering caramel and grapefruit rind.

M: Upper medium in body with upper moderate carbonation. Sticky mouthfeel with alcohol warming and some astringency.

Overall: I'm sure this was cold stored, regardless, it has aged quite well. 

Serving type: on-tap

02-20-2011 03:03:19 | More by HopHead84

AleWatcher

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This 2006 barrel was on tap at Three Floyds. I just happened to ask if was the 2010 and was pleased to hear it was the 2006! Had to try it.

Served in a goblet styled chalice.

Pours a nice coppery hued golden orange color with a tanned head and sticky clumps of lace. Smells sweet and malty with enough of a hop presence-- citrus and slight pine-- to make you know it's still an American barleywine as oppesed to the British style. A nice caramel malt flavor presents with a great smoothness... Mouthfeel is perfect. Smooth would be the one word to describe this beer at this moment.

Serving type: on-tap

06-14-2010 17:57:49 | More by AleWatcher

Gilgemesh

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

At first this chilly companion hid behind it's crystal clear dark amber attire. Hiding the delicate beauty of it's bouquet. Then As I gently warmed it the complex malty aromas were released ands the undercurrent of alcohol was released. Pressing forward I take a tentative sip. Again I am wondering what all the hype was about when I am hit with a wave of malty smoothness. Intermingling with this tasty sweetness are bitter hops. Taunting your every taste bud as soon as the sweet is registered. The bitter finish is cut short by a blast of acohol that both cleanses and leaves one hoping that it will diminish with time. A sweet and bitter darling with suble fruit and a bit of sadistic joy describe this brew. And masochist that I am I drink again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-06-2009 23:39:51 | More by Gilgemesh

Stockfan42

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had lunch at deep ellum this afternoon before work. Had great selections on tap and this one I could not pass up.

The tap poured a color mixed of orange and amber, pretty creamy head that eventually withers down.

Could both taste and smell the alchohol in this one. Very nice aroma that consists of some grapefruits, figs, a hint of caramel and some bitter hops.

Taste pretty damn good. Nice malt touch to it, bitter hop bite, very well balanced. You can taste fruits that lingre in its aroma. the shnazberrys taste like shnazberrys. Sweet figs and caramel. Alote of great flavors just lash out at you.

Not to heavy, you warm up to it after the first few sips. Overall a great and highly recommended beer.

Serving type: on-tap

02-22-2009 08:41:50 | More by Stockfan42

morebeergood

Massachusetts

4.15/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap this past weekend at Deep Ellum. Was just about to settle the bill, when I saw the bartender put a new tap handle on that said "2006 Old Guard.". So I had to stay for one more. I got the first one from the keg. Poured into a Unibroue chalice. Dark orange amber color. Smelled a bit hot with alcohol, but the hop burn called to me. Tasted pretty darn good. Very mellow flavor. Not as hoppy as the smell would indicate. Alcohol hit your palate though, but with a gentle fist. Great combo of hops and booziness. So glad we stayed for one more beer. If they changed taps 15 minutes later, I would have missed it.

Serving type: on-tap

01-14-2009 00:46:44 | More by morebeergood

barleywinefiend

Washington

4/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured on tap at Toronado Bwine Fest:
Poured a deep golden/amber with a small foamy tan head. Aroma is hops, grapefruit, caramel and alcohol. Beautiful aroma. Flavor is that of fruits, sweet malts and a hint of alcohol with an upfront hop bitterness. Full bodied with a decent amount of carbonation. The alcohol is very well hidden and not overpowering on your tounge. Nice, warming, creamy mouthfeel.

Serving type: on-tap

02-23-2008 23:38:04 | More by barleywinefiend

Overlord

California

3.48/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

What is going on with this beer?

I don't know what it is about the Old Guardian series, but none of them taste like any of the others, as far as I can tell.

This beer either was significantly less hoppy than the 07 and 08 versions, or the hops have been obliterated by the aging process. The result is an almost cloyingly malty/sweet beer, with a tinge of pine hops and maybe a hint of floral hop aroma.

Just not sure what to make of this.

Serving type: on-tap

02-13-2008 23:48:29 | More by Overlord

Floydster

California

2.93/5  rDev -29.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

8 ounce glass at Stone Winter Storm for four dollars, split with my girlfriend

A-Murky amber color that looked a little sketchy for a barleywine, 1/2 inch foamy off white head, some retention, minimal lacing

S-Big malty aromas, apricot, caramel, toffee, cherries, some interesting hoppy scents

T-Sweet flavor overall, lots of toffee and caramel tastes just like the smell, grapefruit, hint of dark fruit, particularly raisins, faint dark chocolate flavor, not very balanced, needs more hoppiness

M-Too thick, not enough carbonation, taste lasted a very long time, sweet and syrup-like mouthfeel

D-Heavy stuff, eleven percent ABV, could drink a glass or two maximum, taste is too sweet to be anything else other than a sipper

Certainly not my favorite vintage of Old Guardian, this one needs some age to become more enjoyable, one of my least favorite beers of the day, and probably one of the worst Stone beers I have tasted in general

Serving type: on-tap

01-30-2008 05:18:01 | More by Floydster

ArrogantB

Colorado

4.22/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the brewery, this was the last sample I tried. It was identical in color to the 2007, golden with a white head. Aroma was syrupy. The taste was also syrupy, toffee, chewy, delicious. To be honest I couldn't tell the difference between this and the 2007 except maybe less hops. This was by far the best beer I sampled at Stone with fresh Bastard coming in a very close second. It was also nice to not have to track down a bottle of this to try.

Serving type: on-tap

10-04-2007 16:55:35 | More by ArrogantB

jim102864

Connecticut

3.9/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I must confess I don't know the vintage of this American Barleywine. It was served on tap at Hop Devil in New York last week, so I'll have to review this again in bottle form.

The appearance was hazelnut brown with a thin head and served in a short goblet. Lot's o' bananas noted in the aroma and nut much else detected. The taste again was ripe bananas with some hop bitterness in the finish and alcohol. Mouthfeel was viscous and chewy with more alcohol noted in the finish. Definitely a sipping brew and one I will revisit. Worth the investment.

Serving type: on-tap

07-12-2007 12:43:38 | More by jim102864

jameaterblues

New York

4.2/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the Hop Devil Grill
A-Very dark amber brown color....1/4 inch white head, and a light white lace that surrounds the glass.
S- Musky, dank and citrusy the hops are definitely big...there are light sweet malts with caramel, red fruits, and sugars present as well.
T-Big hops all throughout the beer...big hop pick up in the finish...nice citrusy hops, slightly muskiness....as this beer warms up the maltiness really comes out...with nice caramel, and a slight hint of cherry.
M-Moderate carbonation for the style, long finish both nice malts and hops that linger...the beer lightly coats the tongue...
D- I found myself wanting a little bit more than just the 12oz pour that I got on tap....I will definitely sit down with a bomber of this one when it gets colder...great example of the style.

Serving type: on-tap

10-03-2006 14:53:54 | More by jameaterblues

Budlum

Maryland

3.73/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served on draft at Zeno's in State College, PA, 03/06.

From notes:
Smells are aromatic; dried fruits with hints of hops and an ever so slight medicinal alcohol smell. Presentation with minimal head, possibly a delay from the tap to my seat. The first sips mimic the smell. Hints of raisins and prunes with a finish of a slight hops and alcohol. Further into the glass, the fruity notes disappear and the alochol presence takes over. A good barleywine representation lacking full depth in my opinion.

Serving type: on-tap

04-23-2006 19:40:19 | More by Budlum

mcallister

Ohio

3.7/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Had this against the '04 last night the review for the '04 is also posted. '04 won in every category accept appearance in my book but this will be much better with a couple years to settle down.

Very clean vibrant amber/copper color. Slightly less frothy head and lacing than it's brother from '04 but much prettier.

Cleaner more distinct hop aromas, a little brown sugar, and less malt noticeable. Not as delicate as the '04.

Subdued complexity overall compared with the '04. When I tried this in the bottle I thought the '06 was less hoppy and thinner bodied than the previous vintages I'd tried from bottle ('04, '05 withouth aging). But compared with the 2 year old '04 the '06 seemed like a monster. This was much more hoppy with a bitter caramel component, and toffee in the mid palate. Very clean tasting but after trying the '04 cellared for 2 years I would'nt touch a bottle till at least '07.

Drinkability was hit once again because of the high alcohol factor.

Serving type: on-tap

04-21-2006 11:20:41 | More by mcallister

HoboAGoGo

Indiana

4.6/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Cue the Charleston Heston styled "oh, my, God."
Poured into the glass, she was a ruby colored beast with browny browniness. A pillowy head sat atop her that dissipated, as all heads are wont to do, unless you chug the beer, but I didn't. Smells of a deep, malty alcohol, warm, almost woody or grainy. Hops in the nose, pungent piny hops with some grassy tones. Taste was a deep, alcoholic warmth with a dark bread tastiness. Hops were prevelent, adding resin to the tongue.
She was a good brew, and as Charleston Heston said is probably every movie he was in, "oh, my, God."

Serving type: on-tap

03-10-2006 05:57:29 | More by HoboAGoGo

UCLABrewN84

California

4.28/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to queens1130 for sharing this one at AndrewK’s tasting.

Pours a murky dark orange with a foamy beige head that settles to wisps of film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace slowly drip into the remaining beer on the drink down. Smell is of malt, brown sugar, caramel, and citrus zest. Taste is much the same with an alcohol kick on the finish. There is a mild hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a very good beer that is tasty and has aged really nicely in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 19:40:12 | More by UCLABrewN84

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

3.95/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle shared by drabmuh alongside several other Stone brews. Thanks Matt.

The beer is mostly clear, appearing golden orange hued with crimson / ruby highlights.

The aroma offers bread, biscuits, caramel malt, faded citrus hops, alcohol.

The flavor is sweet, offering some old citrus, a touch of basement, caramels, bread, booze.

Medium bodied with moderately low carbonation.

Overall, this was pretty good. Not among my favorites in the style, but still worth trying. A bit too sweet. Best is small quantities.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2012 01:08:02 | More by Huhzubendah

sweemzander

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22oz. bottle poured into a snifter. Thanks for sharing Chris!

(A)- Pours a fairly dense reddish chestnut color. Some tan froth.

(S)- A nice rich profile of toffee and caramel. Bits of fig and wood.

(T)- A nice malt profile and smooth finish. Lots of toffee and caramel.

(M)- A great carbonation level and a great balance too. Smooth and malty with almost no bite to it.

(D)- Aged gracefully, but I think it can go for even longer and longer.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2012 23:08:38 | More by sweemzander

drabmuh

Maryland

3.68/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Beer served in the appropriate glassware because I'm a responsible adult. Step aside children.

Beer is ruby and clear, tan head of small bubbles, moderate retention, a little lacing, low carbonation.

Aroma is sweet, very yeasty / biscuit and bready, mild musk.

Beer medium in body, mildly bitter from grain on the finish, mild leathery musk to the beer, fine malt palate, good Marris otter feel, overall the beer is fine, not my favorite but a good version of it.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2012 18:34:27 | More by drabmuh

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.13/5  rDev -24.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Bottle courtesy of drabmuh at last weekend's Stone tasting. Served in a Stone goblet.

Pours a semi-hazy golden-caramel color with a bit of an orange hue. Short head without much in the way of retention or lacing.

Much like the 2005 version, the nose brings some caramel and brown sugar, as well as some older hops. The hops are a bit more citrusy and prominent than in the '05. Faint fruits in the background. The flavor has a good deal of sweetness and still just a touch of lingering bitterness. Medium body with low carbonation and a mixture of sugar and alcohol. A bit of oxidation there as well.

This was okay, but it's not something I'd really plan to age all that much of in the future.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2012 11:27:09 | More by Thorpe429

glid02

Georgia

4.05/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle shared by Robert – thanks!

Pours a hazy dark copper color with a cream-colored head that leaves decent lacing.

Smells of moderately sweet caramel malts with good amounts of smooth vanilla and hints of leafy hops. Also present are small amounts of oxidation-induced sherry.

Tastes similar to how it smells. Mildly sweet caramel malts up front are joined quickly by slight vanilla with hints of sherry. Midway through leafy hops come into play, carrying through to a mildly bitter ending. Mouthfeel is very good, with grainy carbonation.

Overall the last five years were kind to this beer, however I still prefer this beer fresh. Worth a shot if you like lighter hop influence in your barleywines.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2011 16:06:24 | More by glid02

akorsak

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I have 5 years (2006-2009, 2011 Belgo) of a six year vertical. Time to dig in with oldest to newest (and maybe I'll come across a 2010 to complete things).

A: The barleywine is cuprous, amber with a darker nature. Still transparent, the ale has plenty of sediment suspended mid-glass. A quarter finger of eggshell white head reduces quickly, just a thin band with no lacing.

S: Thick and meaty, the malts are intense and focused. No simple malt bomb, the hops are powerful even after five years. Syrupy thick like molasses. Flowery hops, citrus-tinged, still jump out.

T: First sip: overpowering hops. Second sip: overpowering hops. Third sip: See one and two. Caramel and molasses, thick and heavy, bog down the taste. Perking it up, the flowery citrus hops zing with power. The ale is quite peppery, hot even. Both the hops and the malts are huge, restoring balance to the force. Booziness is present, sandwiched between the hops and the malts. Age has worked wonders; this beer could have lasted another 5 years I think.

M: Syrupy and rich, both the hops and the malts contribute to the strength. Rich caramel lingers alongside the hops; a decadent barleywine.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2011 19:51:16 | More by akorsak

dragonWhale

New York

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

the 2006 vintage was the coup de grace on that fair evening of retardation and maturation. Unfortunately opened a bit too late for the finer sorts, nonetheless it shone through the pale on this fair eve with an angry recognizance all to its own. It would not be denied. The slight metallic oxygenation only enhanced its bravado. The beer nearly incited a riot, glaring at the willing conquistodores in its impending wake. Golden copper sexiness awaited everyman, everywoman, everychild! The beverage was phenomenal, aged to perfection. It was far superior to the 2008 version which was sampled. The five year old flavor far surpassed most of those that were touched by those human lips which dared to brave the February Day.
All of this to say that this vintage is drinking incredibly right now and it is highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2011 05:43:41 | More by dragonWhale

Georgiabeer

Georgia

3.43/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Just opened and consumed tonight. From my cellar. I'd say this beer is past its prime by this point. More one imensional and washed out than it used to be and with a slightly unpleasant bitterness that tastes a bit woody. Somewhat cloudy appearance and no real head to speak of. Smells woody and fruity with peaches , melon, and some citrus flowers. An undercurrent of bitterness. Taste is quite similar to this profile, but with a bit of oxidation in the finish, a little less fruit and a little more woody dryness. There is a bit of sweetness to the flavor, though, which helps tame the woodiness. A bit tannic in the mouth from all the wood. Not bad, and still drinkable, but all the hops are long gone and the beer has gone from its intense, rough beginnings all the way through the balance it achieves with some aging straight through to being unbalanced again- but tamer.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2010 02:27:57 | More by Georgiabeer

Halcyondays

California

4.15/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

22 oz. bomber,

A: Pours burnt orange, with a nice frothy white head, good retention.

S: Really where these aged barleywines shine. Rum soaked oranges, fig, aged caramel malt make for a great fragrance.

T: Sweet toffee malt, oranges, butterrum and brandy. Definite bit of ethanol on the back end.

M: Smooth, silky and solventy. Full-bodied, elegant.

D: This is really good right now. Might be better after a few more years to take the heat off the finish, though I really don't mind it. A nice sipping brew.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2010 02:48:41 | More by Halcyondays