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

irishking1977

New Jersey

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

I haven't had a brew by Stone that I haven't at least appreciated. Their pale ale and basic IPA were dull in comparison to Arrogant Bastard (including the oaked version) and Ruination IPA. Both of those brews changed my opinion of craft brews and especially highly hopped beers. That being said, this is a barleywine, a style I am not a huge fan of, but still appreciate the subtle nuances of the style.

A: Translucent amber hue with virtually no head and some minimal lacing. Looks like your typical barley wine.

S: Hops, pine, and some mild fruit hit the nose. I can definitely tell this is a Stone concoction simply because of how prominent the hops are in this brew. That's certainly not a bad thing by any means.

T: Mildly sweet and quite hoppy, which of course, isn't a surprise considering the brewer. Well balanced, but hops still peek out more so than any other nuance. Considering this a really hoppy barleywine, it still finishes crisp and smooth with no unusual or overly bitter ending.

M: My 3.0 rating on this one is indicative of the style, not necessarily this actual beer itself. I personally prefer higher carbonation level in most of my beers, but do note that this one is totally true to style. That being said, this one has some mild carbonation, and oiliness due to hops and and moderate mouthfeel. First few sips almost felt slightly watered down, but after several more, I realize that is not correct. This is a moderately full brew in comparison to other barleywines I've had.

D: As always, Stone's brews always hide their ABV very well, but of course any brew pushing over 11% is going to catch up at some point, I don't care if you have alcohol running through your veins instead of blood; this one will still overwhelm you after a few. Still, one of the better barleywines I have had, and reasonably drinkable. Not a session, but a good sipper and probably a great night cap.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2010 00:51:48 | More by irishking1977

northaustin

Texas

4.45/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

pours a very clear red/maroon with a finger and a half of very even white head which has long retention and leaves a solid strong lacing.

smell is upfront with fresh hops of the citrus and pine variety backed by an earthy note of malts and hops. alot of alchohol heat as well.

taste is suprisingly mellow after the smell. everything balances nicely in the beginning and leaves with a huge bang of hops and syrupy sweetness. not so much alchohol in the taste, but it is still noticeable.

mouthfeel: lightly carbonated, but sorta foams up in the mouth helping it go down smoother. im left with a nice mixture of a oilyness and flavor.

drinkability: lets just say im glad this one is back. it was the first beer i have bought an entire case of at once. i cant wait to try this one with some age. very sessionable for the big beer drinker.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2010 07:38:40 | More by northaustin