He'Brew Genesis 15:15 - Shmaltz Brewing Company

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A 'Harvest' Barleywine ale brewed with pomegranate juice, fig juice, date & grape juice, aged in Sazerac 6-yr rye whiskey barrels. 5 different malts, 7 different hops. A clusterfuck of a beer, and I can't wait.

Bomber bottled on 9/7/2011, divvied up in two snifter glasses.

Inch or more of latte foam colored head that fell to a ring; no surprise at 13.4%. A deep, dark brown body with violet tinges. 4.0

Huge nose! Mega caramel and toffee with sugary fruitiness and distinct rye whiskey aromatics. Vanilla, maple syrup, fig cookies, trail mix, and a stiff booziness. Recognizing the pomegranate in the nose is a bit of a stretch. Hint of piney hops, but it's faint and blends in with the oaky barrel and the rye whiskey spice notes. 4.5

Intense flavors. Dried fruit and caramel nut toffee sweetness with maple syrup and tart fruit punch and concord grape juice. Picking up some red apple and Belgian chocolate. Madness! Crazy to say that I'm picking up some vinous oxidation notes. The whiskey is so much more subtle and perfectly complementary. Starts out with it, and subsides slowly. Finishes with some hop bitterness that is borderline acrid, otherwise, an atomic malt bomb. 4.5

Hands down, one of the THICKEST beers I have ever drank. Drinks like fortified wine with flour whisked in. Sticky sweet, but this IS a dessert of a beer. Low carbonation and a sting of alcohol. A slow sipper. 4.0

I thought this would be a mess, but instead is a cornucopia of flavor and complexity. An amazing take on a barleywine. I MUST get another bottle to drink, and MAYBE one to age. Highly recommended! 4.5

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2012 00:29:56 | More by thecheapies

jmdrpi

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle, no date.

very dark brown, ruby in the edges only. thin tan head that fades fast. woah...huge boozy aroma that smacks you in the nose. whiskey, oak, the fruit juices come through too. strong, but pleasant.

spicey and hot on the lips. definitely complex - tobacco, vanilla, molasses, whiskey, dark fruits. slightly sweet. sorta thick, sticky, viscous. carbonation level works well.

overall- seek it out if you like barleywine and whiskey.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2012 02:41:08 | More by jmdrpi

DIM

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

a: This was a very dark, ruddy brown color. It poured with a medium sized sticky head.

s: The whiskey barrel takes center stage, but it isn't harh or overwhelming. Lots of earthy vanilla, boozy caramel, and hints of tobacco dominate. There was also prominent but mellow rich chocolate liqueur and some vinous fruit.

t: Sweet overall, but not cloying. Brown sugar, caramel, molasses, vanilla, and raisins up front. It finishes with lots of well incorporated whiskey, chocolate liqueur, lightly tart fruit juice, and a hint of cola.

m: Big, creamy, and very smooth.

o: It was a real pleasure to spend a few hours with this bottle. Everything comes together extremely well.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2012 14:29:26 | More by DIM

DovaliHops

California

4.1/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a very dark brown with a small-medium off-white, somewhat tan head that disappears quickly. Scent is absolutely amazing. Tons of fresh figs and other dark fruits with a very inviting whiskey aroma. The way the dark fruits and barrel mix together in the nose is just great...not as great as King Henry, but pretty damn good. Taste is...now here's where the juices come in... I can definitely taste the pomegranate and grape juices. Aton of caramel malt and other dark malts. A ton of toffee blended with candied dark fruits and brown sugar. Just a bit of bitter hoppiness and sweet whiskey throughout. Mouthfeel is very full bodied and a bit on the syrupy side. Drinkability is scary high for this high ABV sipper. Overall, the aroma had me thinking this beer was going to be on the same page as King Henry, but the taste was quite the step down. By far, this is not a mediocre beer...it is very good. Just not "King Henry or Abacus good". A tad too sweet and not as well-balanced as I was hoping for. ABV is hidden well.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2012 05:43:53 | More by DovaliHops

Arbitrator

California

2.93/5  rDev -30.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Chilled bottle into a glass.

A: Pours a dark, chestnut body capped with a modest collar of light tan foam and some milky swirls atop the brew.

S: LOTS of grape and fig, almost to the point of reminding me of a grape lollipop. Mild presence of rye whiskey on the nose with some lingering oak.

T: This is treacly and sweet; it's very figgy and grape-like, which are signature Jewbelation flavors. Toss in the barrel aging and (presumably) sherry-like oxidation, and you've got a dark fruit overload that nearly overwhelms anything else in the beer. Toffee, mild chocolate, some rye bite in the finish.

M: Way too much imbalance on the sweet flavors up front; they fall off in a rough, burning finish. Also noticeable astringency in the aftertaste. Not a very impressive mouthfeel at all.

O: Eh, not really worth $12 when you can (in theory) pay $1 more and get King Henry, or $3 more to get Sucaba. It is simply outclassed as far as barrel-aged barleywines go.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2012 06:30:03 | More by Arbitrator

Treebs

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22 oz. bottle served in a Deschutes tulip. Batch 001/791 cases. Bottled 9/7/2011.

A: Pours a very deep ruby with a frothy tan head about two fingers in height. The head recedes to a thin collar and doesn't really leave on stick on the glass.

S: Dark fruits and sweet grape are most prevalent in the nose with just a touch of rye whiskey lingering in the background. There is some mild oak as well.

T: The first sip is a smooth, but very subdued, rye whiskey with a slight oakiness. There is a definite candied grape sweetness mixing with other dark fruits, but it is more on the sweet side. The backend is slightly warming with a little burnt sugar bitterness to cut the sweetness.

M: Full bodied with medium to low carbonation. Slick and oily feeling with a minute warming sensation after each sip.

O: The fruit juices used definite amp the flavor up a notch and the barrel aging added a nice little layer of flavor. The fruity sweetness might turn some people off, but it worked for me in this case.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2012 14:41:01 | More by Treebs

SHODriver

California

4.43/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: pours an extremely dark brown and is nearly black. light struggles to make it all the way through the glass. A small tan head dissipates quickly
S: Hugely malty and sweet on the nose with notes of caramel, vanilla, molasses, and some fruits
T: Very complex palate with fruit flavors, caramel malt, a little roast malt character, some vanilla, and oaky flavors. Inoffensive aftertaste that leaves me wanting but very clean on the finish. Alcohol is very warming on the way down and well hidden in the beer
M: Oh so smooth and thick with adequate carbonation that is there but not overbearing
O: A fantastic and highly complex beer that is sure to please

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2012 06:21:45 | More by SHODriver

rhoadsrage

Illinois

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

(Served in a snifter)
Batch 001 Case 791 Bottled 9/7/2011
A- This beer pours a dense brown body with a faint sliver of light coming through at the base. There is a thick tan head with big bubbles making a second head before breaking down.

S- The big sweet syrupy malt aroma has fruit qualities like dates and dried figs in the finish.

T- The big boozy bourbon blends with sweet sugary caramel malt and some toffee characters come through as the beer warms. There is a dryness in the finish from pomegranates and a less sweet note overall in the finish. Some grape esters and bourbon wood hints come through and linger with a rye spice note aswell.

M- The medium-full mouthfeel has a warming fizz to the finish.

O- The big sweetness is not cloying and the grapes and pomegranates really help to dry out the finish and add a unique twist to the finish. The depth is nice although a bit subtle but the other flavors need to grow a bit to help balance some of the sweetness.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2012 21:52:45 | More by rhoadsrage

korguy123

Ontario (Canada)

4.38/5  rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottling date 9/7/2011

A-Super dark brown with red highlights. Finger width off white head that quickly drops to a thin cap. Lacing is slightly sticky in sheets.

S- The rye really stands out the most. The malts are chewey with hints of caramel and toffee. Vanilla and brown sugar. The hops give floral and slight pine. I'm gerting very little in the way of the juices but it sure smells good.

T- Floral and slight pine hops. Caramel and toffee with touches of brown sugar, vanilla and whisky. The juice is more noticeable, mostly getting the grape and pomegranate. The alcohol is there in the way of a slight warmth and medicinal presence.

M- Medium bodied, mild carbonation with a warmth from the booze. Sticky on the lips.

O- Very interesting adding the juices, they aren't so obvious that you can pull the flavors separately but they meld together nicely. Good solid barrel aged barleywine.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2012 01:28:09 | More by korguy123

Bung

North Carolina

4.05/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22 oz. A very dark murky brown, thin layer of light tan head.

Aroma, large amount of molasses, fig, caramel, vanilla. Ah the bourbon barrel.

Taste, a little more fruit here, grape, raisin, prune. Quickly goes to more malty, rumcake, molasses, caramel vanilla. Toast and barrel at the end, and a stinging little dose of heat.

The carbonation is just a bit prickly, combined with the warmth make this a very slow drinker. Solid medium body and fairly well coating. This would be helped all around if it was a little more creamy.
Still another well done big beer from Shmaltz.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2012 03:13:33 | More by Bung

ms11781

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Batch 1, Bottled 09/07/2011 on label. 22oz bottle poured into a snifter.

Pours a deep mahogany color that is near opaque. There are some lighter, reddish brown hues around the edges of the glass and looks somewhat translucent as each sip is taken. A surprisingly dense light tannish head develops and actually sticks around for a few minutes before receding to a foam ring around the glass.

The barrel treatment and a big sweetness are what stand out most in the nose. Right up front is a near perfect amount of whiskey, it's more than subtle but hardly overwhelming or even a dominant aroma. There is a huge caramel sweetness that gives way to some nice dark fruit aromas.

The taste is actually a step up from the nose. There seems to be a lot more going on and the nose had plenty going for it. The whiskey is present from start to finish and, while it makes itself known, it's not too intrusive. It definitely starts and finishes each sip but backs off in between and allows the other characteristics to play nicely. The taste is sweeter than the nose. There is a big caramel note, almost candy-like in its sweetness. There is also nice, almost acidic sweetness which I assume are from the different fruit juices that were added. None of the individual fruits are discernible, which shows how well the flavors blend together.

The mouthfeel is huge here. Each sip is big and thick, borderline syrupy but not quite. Full bodied with low carbonation. There is some warming from the alcohol but that's to be expected with a 13.4% ABV beer.

This is a great BA barleywine. There is whiskey is well integrated with the other flavors and aromas and is never too much, allowing everything else to shine through. This one is definitely ready to drink now.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2012 02:26:12 | More by ms11781

nhindian

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz bottle poured into a snifter.

A - Pours a dark, bold mahogany color that is tough to see through. Around a finger's worth of tan head tops off the beer with decent retention and leaves a foamy cap in its wake. Lacing isn't bad either, as a smattering of residual head lingers around the edges.

S - The nose is heavy on the barrel and rye whiskey. I was expecting a lot of sweet fruits due to the juice additions to this, but it's actually fairly bitter and I'm getting more chocolate and rye spiciness than anything. Pretty malty all-around, with a bit of grape in the background.

T - In the mouth, this beer definitely explores the ingredients more comprehensively, as each fruit is clearly present, with the pomegranate and grape leading the way while the figs and dates serve more as a way to flesh out the back-end. It's interesting to note how the barrel was so present in the nose, but seems to fall away here, as the oak isn't well-defined, but the rye whiskey is still as noticeable. This creates an interesting dichotomy of flavors; the fruit juices impart a tart tanginess, while the chocolate and rye cuts this with a bitter spiciness. The finish does have a bit of alcohol heat as well.

M - Mouthfeel is moderately heavy-bodied with lowish carbonation. This is a pretty thick beer that has a touch of chewiness to it and it really lingers on the palate with its long finish.

D/O - Drinkability is moderate. I enjoyed how the barrel-aging impacted this beer, as it adds a nice rye kick without dominating the other aspects. I thought the fruit would've been the main focus of this beer, but the malts seem to have the lasting appeal in the flavor as well as the strong alcohol presence. Still pretty good and worth a try, though!

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2012 04:02:20 | More by nhindian

emerge077

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Split a bomber 3 ways, thanks to Renee & Jim for the assist.
Review from written notes.

Poured into a tulip glass, it appears dark brown with glints of ruby when held to the light. Thin layer of tan foam on the surface, creamy texture and lasting head retention. Some spotty lace forms over time.

Smells like sweet brown sugar, fruit in syrup, plums, whiskey and coke. Caramel, toffee, booze, typical barleywine impression initially. The rye barrel is faint at first, but as it warms to room temperature it gets more noticeable.

Flavors of caramel and chocolate, bready and sweet. Light impression of coconut and tiramisu. Tangy indistinct fruit. Rich and syrupy, medium carbonation, light oxidation. Sweet with some prickly alcohol presence. Pretty sweet and boozy, best shared. It really needs to be at room temperature to pick up the full range of flavors.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 23:30:00 | More by emerge077

homebrewhawk

Kansas

3.9/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz. bottle served in a snifter. Poured a dark reddish brown with a finger of tan head that quickly dissipated. Aroma is pretty boozy with oak, vanilla and a little chocolate. This is a big beer, very full bodied with tons of malt. More chocolate, toffee and some vanilla from the oak. There is a pretty good amount of hop bitterness that keeps it from being too sweet. Not as boozy as the aroma would suggest. Wish I could have shared this with someone, it was a lot to take on by myself! Nice beer, I bet a year would really improve it.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 15:20:29 | More by homebrewhawk

GrumpyJunglist

California

4.33/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Batch 001 bottled on 9/07/11. Poured into a tulip.

A: Poured a dark brown, but with more light it looked like it had a reddish tint to it. Amazing creamy looking head, very thick 2 finger head that slowly fades slowly but surely.

S: Initial smell is a creamy malts, which i can assume is the pomegranate, grape and fig juice. The end of the nose i can catch some of the barrel. But I can find a little roasty aromas.

T: Creamy maltiness welcomes your first taste, with a mild fruity kiss in the middle. Then at the end it was a nice roast/smokey finish.

M: it is very smooth, no carbonation bite, but it is warm at the end.

O: Pretty freaking awesome. A tad bit hot, but with age this baby is gonna be amazing. Kind of bummed I only have one more, may have to get more of this for sure.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 05:36:19 | More by GrumpyJunglist

dogfishandi

New York

4.45/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle at about fridge temp poured into a darkness snifter. batch no. 001/791. bottling date 9/7/2011.

pours out a very dark reddish brown color, nice ruby red hues in the light, good clarity. a big 2-3 fingers worth of tan/ khaki colored creamy heady,very good retention and some decent lace. some nice legs noticable as well.

very nice aroma. reminds me a lot of HotD- Matt. a very nice burnt caramel/ toffee, burnt sugars, almost a maple like sweetness. a whole range of dark fruits, figs, dates, even a touch of grape noticable, a nice slight vanilla like oaky woodiness, then some hot warming whiskey hits the nostrils.

similar to the aroma. big sweet, sticky caramel, burnt caramel sweetness. almost a bit of maple, burnt sugars. lots of dark fruits going on here, figs, dates, with some vinious grapey flavors as well. the rye whiskey barrel comes through in the end adding some nice heat, a bit of a whiskey like flavor, and a smooth vanilla oakiness.

sticky, very sweet, and very chewy mouthfeel, full bodied and a slightly lighter carbonation.

at first i didnt know if i was really going to enjoy this, came off a bit cloyingly sweet with loads of dark fruits. but as it opened up it really started becoming very enjoyable. id definatly buy more of this and would recommend this to any barleywine of HotD lover. still, it does have that signature hebrew flavor.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2012 00:38:05 | More by dogfishandi

ShanePB

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served from the 22 ounce bottle into a tulip glass.

A: Deep mahogany with an overall pronounced brown hue to it. A fairly small and dense tan head sits atop with rapid dissipation. The lacing was decent, not too much which I expected from the smaller head. Typical in a traditional barrel aged Barleywine sense.

S: Whoa, tons of sweet dark fruits. After reading the bottle it's evident where these are all coming from (as they added lots of dark fruits and juices to the beer). Fig, pomegranate, raisin and plum all come through big with an overbearing sweetness to them. The whiskey barrel is here too, it's big bold and also a bit sweet.

T: Sweet whiskey and oak are the first to show up, but quickly enough come the dark fruits. Again, fig, prune and plum all concentrated into one flavor hit your palate with a ton of sweetness. It's good but it may be a bit too much in the way of how sweet it is. The balance seems off and although the barrel tries to counteract, it fails.

M: Lower on the carbonation giving this a nice body. It feels sticky and syrupy on the palate almost, but enough carbonation is there to break it up.

I enjoyed the flavors but felt the sweetness was a bit over the top. Tone that down and allow the barrels to do more and this would be a perfect match. Cellaring might benefit this beer. Actually, I might pick another up to test that theory as the flavors itself were quite nice.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2012 17:04:43 | More by ShanePB

claspada

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours deep mahogany with some copper showing through the edges under a big creamy beige head that's continually fed by some bubbles from the bottom. Head recedes leaving some nice soapy lacing.

Aroma is huge and excellent with lots of toffee, caramel and molasses. There is plenty of dark fruit like dates and plums and a little vanilla. The whiskey and oak are present in the nose but are just an additional layer in the nose as opposed to dominating it.

The taste is more of the same with different sweet components all piled together. There is the underlying caramel malts but with booze soaked overripe fruits and tons of toffee and treacle. The finish has more bourbon than the aroma would suggest, but never overpowering or harsh.

The mouthfeel is thick and chewy with plenty of carbonation. It's really stick on the palate. Surprisingly not too sweet, despite all he dark fruits, bourbon and dark caramelized malts.

This is a massive, fruity, sweet, boozy sipper. There is a lot of different flavors going on and I certainly wouldn't call it subtle. Nonetheless, I'm thoroughly enjoyed it. Boozy flavors are complementary to the dark fruitiness.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 04:08:37 | More by claspada

megahurts4

Louisiana

4.33/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

He'Brew Genesis 15:15

Appearance: reddish brown, medium head, and some good lacing.

Smell: heavy malts and barrel.

Taste: syrupy barley, roasted malt, a rye flavor, and a very subtle fruit juice sweetness.

Mouthfeel: thick and heavy.

Overall:
This is a strong flavored brew. It is unusual, yet good.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2012 05:16:29 | More by megahurts4

Scotchboy

Idaho

3.68/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Review No. 300

22oz bomber poured into a New Belgium globe.

A: Pours a murky looking brown with tons of prune and ruby highlights. Huge khaki head with tight groups of small bubbles. Alcohol legs are noticeable.

S: Nose strikes me as massively sweet and malty with tons of those adjunct fruit juice characters; dates, figs, bread, a strong yeasty component, lots of chalky chocolate, and oak...very little booze.

T: More of the same; dates, figs, pomegranate, dark bready malts, all mixing with chocolate and oaky notes. There is a bit of rye whiskey character on the finish. Tons of sticky fruits and malts.

MF: Syrupry, slick and creamy, medium full body.

O: Well I'll get accosted for admitting this but I've come to the realization that these types of beers (Old Ales, English Barleywines and Strong Ales) need some bitterness to even things out. American hops would go a long way to cut through the malty syrupy mess. Its obviously a well-crafted beer. More barrel character would help too.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2012 16:04:56 | More by Scotchboy

RBassSFHOPit2ME

California

4.47/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Arguably beer of the year for me and barrel aged beer of the year for me if it were not for BCBS Rare.

For my palate, the best advise I could give is drink this beer ASAP. It's fantastic right now and I do not see age making it any better. If it looses any of that barrel profile going on right now it would not be the same. The ABV at 13.4% drinks more like a 10% beer and each sip leaves you begging for another looking for what complexities you will find next. Too easy to kill 22oz to yourself and the barrel flavor in this one has me pondering converting to Judaism. (Sorry that I'm not sorry for the bad joke, I couldn't help myself here...)

The barrel is at the forefront without being hot at all. Bourbon, coconut, light vanilla oak, chocolate and dark fruits. Although the bottle states it's brewed with Pomegranites, Figs, Grape and date juices, they are mild and play second fiddle to the barrel. The barrel flavor reminds me alot of Firestone Walker's signature Barrel profile but not as sweet. (good thing) This beer for me is everything as good or better than Abacus for the record and at a $11.99 price tag to boot.

After Vertical Jewbelation and now this Gem, Shmaltz has my Full attention and I'm buying everything barrel aged with their name on it.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2011 18:35:04 | More by RBassSFHOPit2ME

Mosstrooper

California

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a nonic pint glass.

Appearance: Pours black with some ruby/cola hints where the light comes through. There is a thick brown head that dissipates slowly and doesn't leave behind any lace, but leaves a layer of brown film on top of the beer.

Smell: Strong chocolate is prevalent, backed up by fruit: plum, prune, slight citrus, and maybe apple.

Taste: Begins sweet and fruity, ending with a wine-like flavor backed up with other fruits. There is a bit of breadiness after the swallow.

Mouthfeel: Heavy body with light carbonation and a sticky finish that warms from the alcohol.

Overall: A great sipping beer and an excellent barleywine. Definitely worth a look. This is seriously tasty- l'chaim!

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2011 05:21:58 | More by Mosstrooper

AgentZero

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Brown beer with some nice ruby. Tan head that rose up about a finger and left some spots on the sie.

S - Brown sugar, caramel malts. Raisins and figs are particularly present. Touch of barrel, bit of rye. It's a nice combination of flavors that isn't too overpowering in any one facet.

T - Nice caramel, dark fruits, fairly mellow wiskey, wood, touch of vanilla, brown sugar. Not hot at all, easy drinker for this much alcohol. The addition of the grapes and pomegranates are a nice touch.

M - Medium bodied, lower carbonation.

O - Really nice beer, my buddy and I killed this one easily enough between the two of us and drank some more beer afterwards. A nice BA offering that I'd drink again.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2011 03:18:58 | More by AgentZero

TMoney2591

Illinois

2.13/5  rDev -49.4%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

Served in a Gale Sayers shaker pint glass.

Thanks to Trxxpaxxs for this bottle!

Reviewed blind as part of Blind BIF 6. It pours a clear dark brown-ruby topped by a healthy dose of cream-tan foam.The nose comprises lightly-seared wood, caramel, light hot cinnamon, maple syrup, walnut, and a mustiness I just can't pick a word to describe properly. I am kinda perplexed by this smell, to be honest. The taste stands as some cloyingly sweet maple syrup with a slightly smoky and fruity backbone. I think some toasted caramel is in there too, but it's hard to tell. Damn, this stuff physically hurts to drink. The body is a stolid medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a kinda syrupy feel. Overall, I think this was just a bad flavor combination for me. All of those disparate elements just came together violently poorly on my tongue. Boo this stuff.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2011 06:52:05 | More by TMoney2591

PeprSprYoFace

California

4.13/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into my old guardian barley wine glass. Pours a deep brown color like a dark stained wood. There was a nice decent head that formed and stayed most of the pour that is not too common with barrel aged heavy beers like this one. Ok lacing.

Aroma is nice. Very carmaly and bourbony. Nice and malty. Bit of sweetness. Some dark figs and raisins. Smells great.

Taste is great. Very carmaly and some decent bourbon and oak. Nice malt characteristic and a bit of dark dried fruits. A little too sweet IMO but not bad. Slight alcohol burn.

Mouthfeel is a little too heavy but not too bad. Nice carb. I like beers that have a good carb and don't try and pass it off as that is how it is suppose to be... Flat.

Overall a very tasty brew. I have one to age but I think I want to get one or 2 more to add to the cellar because it is very tasty.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2011 03:53:39 | More by PeprSprYoFace