Old Ruffian Barley Wine - Great Divide Brewing Company

Frosty80

Michigan

4.08/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Nov 2010 bottling:
Color: pours light-medium brown. sits clear amber

Smell: great balance of citrusy hops and malt sweetness. notes of dark fruit, caramel and citrusy, piny hops. well hidden alcohol - just enough to brighten everything.

Taste: big, citrusy hop flavor up front followed by a moderate malt character and fruity esters. some caramel and dark fruit. alcohol is pretty assertive throughout and is slightly hot. bitterness is moderately high throughout. finish is slightly dry with a long, lingering bitterness and hop flavor

Mouthfeel: high-medium body and carbonation

Notes: solid barleywine with the balance shifted toward hop flavor and bitterness

Jan 2010 bottling:
Color: sits lighter than Nov 2010 brother with a clear, brownish-orange color

Smell: much less citrusy hop character, though still present, and more bready malt with raisins and a little banana. light alcohol presence.

Taste: again, much less hop character and bitterness, or at least more balanced. bready malt, with notes of raisins and a tinge of banana. alcohol is warming but not as hot it seems as other one. finish is slightly dry with only a light citrusy character and bitterness with a hint of fruitiness.

Mouthfeel: high-medium body and carbonation

Notes: a little more balanced overall than fresh batch. not sure if its just attributed to age or if the recipe changes slightly. a "cuvee" of both is outstanding!

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2011 02:54:48 | More by Frosty80

Whiskeydeez

Kansas

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%

05-19-2013 17:05:52 | More by Whiskeydeez

cosmonick

Indiana

3.75/5  rDev -11.6%

05-19-2013 01:51:35 | More by cosmonick

Photekut

Azerbaijan

4/5  rDev -5.7%

05-18-2013 20:44:00 | More by Photekut

carlosega

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%

05-17-2013 19:19:34 | More by carlosega

leftstagebrew

North Carolina

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%

05-16-2013 14:57:58 | More by leftstagebrew

TheRuss9585

Vermont

3.75/5  rDev -11.6%

05-14-2013 00:35:46 | More by TheRuss9585

RWNay

Illinois

4/5  rDev -5.7%

05-13-2013 19:20:43 | More by RWNay

DCgolfpro

Maryland

3.5/5  rDev -17.5%

05-13-2013 15:40:48 | More by DCgolfpro

FranzBC

Oregon

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%

05-13-2013 02:07:59 | More by FranzBC

IpaSipa

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%

05-12-2013 22:49:04 | More by IpaSipa

ipas-for-life

Virginia

4/5  rDev -5.7%

05-12-2013 16:03:04 | More by ipas-for-life

HopHeadCnK

Virginia

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

First time trying it having a 2012, 6 months old, next to a 2010. A sipper with only a few months on it, still has a significant hop profile, but once the IBU's diminish over time this stuff goes down real easy. Grab a few bottles and hide them for a few years. Great brew, cheers!

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 00:09:59 | More by HopHeadCnK

Rogorama

Indiana

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%

05-09-2013 00:44:43 | More by Rogorama

Heavenisbeer

Georgia

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%

05-08-2013 03:44:08 | More by Heavenisbeer

leftoverburrito

Oregon

3.75/5  rDev -11.6%

05-08-2013 03:40:04 | More by leftoverburrito

cadaugherty

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -11.6%

05-08-2013 00:02:44 | More by cadaugherty

Chriscrundwell12

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -5.7%

05-07-2013 07:08:14 | More by Chriscrundwell12

VaTechPhilly

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -11.6%

05-06-2013 22:52:48 | More by VaTechPhilly

Michaeldmanley

Texas

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%

05-06-2013 21:57:22 | More by Michaeldmanley

Fusebuddy

Wisconsin

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%

05-06-2013 17:11:45 | More by Fusebuddy

Pete27lax

New York

4.75/5  rDev +12%

05-06-2013 08:40:13 | More by Pete27lax

GratefulEdd

Alabama

4/5  rDev -5.7%

05-05-2013 23:19:51 | More by GratefulEdd

Hefewiseman

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%

05-04-2013 19:09:34 | More by Hefewiseman

buzzy

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%

05-04-2013 15:06:51 | More by buzzy