Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale 2010 - Stone Brewing Co.

jdklks

Nevada

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

Thank god Old Guardian not only came back, but that it is much much better than last year's batch. Pours a burnt dark orange that is absolutely stunning. This is accompanied by a soft, off white, almost tan head that lingers awhile and laces the glass wonderfully. The smell is of hops and citrusy fruits; more like a DIPA but not as strong, and not as good. Some peach, lots of figs, and tangerine.

The flavor this year is much less hoppy than last year's version was fresh. This version in three years will taste like the 07 does now: incredible. Definitely my favorite batch since 07. Starts off with its usual hoppy character, but it is neither over-done, nor does it linger for too long. Instead, it gives way to an alcoholic orange flavor that is quite pleasing, and perfectly sweet. Other flavors include a hint of figs, red apple, and a very subtle maltiness that develops so well in this beer over a few years. This years version is leaps and bounds better than last. Mouthfeel is too light, but well carbonated nonetheless.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2010 06:01:34 | More by jdklks

baybassboy

California

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%

05-14-2013 04:44:03 | More by baybassboy

mikeincharleston

South Carolina

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

05-13-2013 22:30:56 | More by mikeincharleston

Megan1937

Connecticut

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

05-12-2013 01:07:59 | More by Megan1937

cadaugherty

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%

05-07-2013 23:21:09 | More by cadaugherty

spycow

Illinois

4/5  rDev -3.4%

05-02-2013 04:51:05 | More by spycow

2beerdogs

California

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%

04-19-2013 05:38:26 | More by 2beerdogs

jvillefan

California

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%

04-06-2013 23:51:03 | More by jvillefan

MaseFace

Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

03-29-2013 00:14:42 | More by MaseFace

Dirt

Ohio

4/5  rDev -3.4%

03-15-2013 02:24:12 | More by Dirt

DaPan

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev -3.4%

03-11-2013 23:31:29 | More by DaPan

whoneeds8

Texas

4.35/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

2010 Release poured into a tulip glass. Deep transluscent amber in color with a nice two and a half finger white head. Great retention and lacing. The scent is strong of carmeled malt. The alcohol scent that accompanies fresh bottles is very faint. The taste shows great aging. Flavors of carmeled fruits like figs. Very high in candied flavors. But there is still a piney bitterness from the hops present. For it's age, the mouthfeel is great: medium bodied, syrupy, and well carbonated.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2013 02:44:54 | More by whoneeds8

CaptainNomihodai

Illinois

4/5  rDev -3.4%

02-28-2013 05:51:58 | More by CaptainNomihodai

t0rin0

California

3/5  rDev -27.5%

02-25-2013 02:17:49 | More by t0rin0

Jmick28

Texas

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%

02-11-2013 16:21:51 | More by Jmick28

calcnerd

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

02-04-2013 03:05:29 | More by calcnerd

SoCal_Guardian

4.75/5  rDev +14.7%

01-29-2013 03:35:24 | More by SoCal_Guardian

DmanGTR

New York

4/5  rDev -3.4%

01-28-2013 14:38:55 | More by DmanGTR

phishbone23

New York

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%

01-25-2013 14:20:41 | More by phishbone23

DerekMorgan

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

01-24-2013 17:34:25 | More by DerekMorgan

MordorMongo

Indiana

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

01-13-2013 23:38:36 | More by MordorMongo

jzapp

New York

4/5  rDev -3.4%

12-25-2012 03:55:25 | More by jzapp

andthevolcano

Delaware

4/5  rDev -3.4%

11-07-2012 02:26:35 | More by andthevolcano

chrisxmartin

4.75/5  rDev +14.7%

11-05-2012 11:14:06 | More by chrisxmartin

speak72

Georgia

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%

11-04-2012 14:54:41 | More by speak72