Old Knucklehead Barleywine - BridgePort Brewing Co. / Brewpub

smttycty

Oregon

2.88/5  rDev -27.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

It took a second aggressive pour from the bomber to get a decent crown. Good legs and decent lacing on my snifter. Reddish brown semi-opaque body. The nose was nice but not pronounced. Peaty sweet malt tones with an obvious alcoholic hit.

The first sip stopped me in my tracks. I looked at the bottle again. Yes, it says barley wine very clearly. This is the driest version of the style i've ever sampled. Not really what I want from a BW. Lots of alcohol, but no real off flavors to stop me. There is hop character in back but it doesn't linger. Kind of an oaky bourbon thing with a clean finish. The carbonation is just right for the medium to heavy bodied brew.

Weird! Definitely not what I'm look for in a barley wine, but drinkable in a one-before-bedtime kind of way. Either way, with BridgePort's long history in the craft beer world I think they need to practice a little more on this style.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2008 07:49:37 | More by smttycty

brewandbbq

New Hampshire

3.88/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A vertical tasting of six vintages on consecutive evenings, followed by bottling #12.

Vintage 1992, bottling #4, 6.4oz nip at 6.7%ABV.

The cap cracks with barely a whisp, and an exaggerated pour revealing zero carbonation.
Burnt amber in color, with some fine particulates in suspension, and not a trace of head.
Aromatics are laced with malt, leather, toffee, dried figs, and caramel.
The malt is surprisingly juicy, with barely a trace of oxidation.
The mouthfeel is slick and sticky. A slight amount of fine carbonation shows itself.
The pallet is malt-heavy, with some faded citrus below plenty of raisins, wet leather, reduced caramel, and toffee.
Bittering as well as all other hopping is gone, and no apparent signs of oxidation on the pallet.
Finishes with some warming alcohol, lingering sweet malt, and plenty more chipped toffee.

Pretty faded in general, but for a 6.7% brew, it's held up incredibly well for sixteen years! Holding steady at a solid "B".

Vintage 1993,bottling #5, 6.4oz nip at 6.7%.

Pours the same color as the 1992, but with some faint carbonation. Almost a whisp developed on the surface.
Aromatics are more intense, as well as the pallet. Plenty of tobacco, leather, juicy malt, and chewy caramel. A hint of drizzled chocolate is apparent in this vintage.
Still no hops, and very little oxidation, if any. Almost a "B+", but not quite.

Vintage 1996, bottling #8, 12oz at 9.9%abv.

Pours identical in color to the previous vintages, but a beige head of a quarter-inch developes.
Quite a different beer. Dark fruits in the nose, with raisins, toffee, and toasty malt.
A fuller, lightly carbonated mouthfeel, and far less syrupy.
The pallet is still quite malt-forward, but it's much cleaner, and with a bigger alcoholic bite.
There is a fair amount of bitterness present, as well as added vineous and sherry-like qualities.
Improved from the previous vintages overall, but the depth of flavor and complexities of the elders is missed.
A solid "B+".

Vintage 1997, bottling #9, 12oz at 9.1%.

Pours dark amber once again, but with a lot of sediment, even with a shortened pour.
A beige head of an inch-plus finally developes with this vintage, resulting in some streaks and dots of lacework also.
Aromatics are laced with dusty malt, rum-soaked raisins, sherry, and a hint of smoke.
Some faint wet-cardboard shows some age.
Mouthfeel is crisper than the elders, and less sticky. Almost creamy, with a very soft carbonation.
The pallet has plenty of malt, but it's less juicy than the elders, and is underscored with wet paper.
Alcohol is more subtle than the 1996, and bitterness is medium, at best.
This one comes in just behind the 1996, even with the increase in carbonation. <B+.

Vintage 1999, bottling #10, 12oz at 9.1%

Color unchanged from the previous. A full one inch-plus of thickish beige with similar lacework to the 1997.
The malt is a bit juicier in the nose, but the hint of smoke is more apparent as burnt rubber or smoldering peat.
The mouthfeel is fuller and creamier, but still lowly carbonated.
The pallet has a significantly fresher malt profile, with still a good mix of caramel, toffee, and residuals. Some underlying citrus shows itself in this vintage.
Alcohol is also more apparent, with some lingering warmth, and bitterness is a smidge increased. Back to a solid "B+".

Vintage 2003, bottling #11, 12oz at 9.1%.

Pours a bit lighter in color than all the other vintages. Dark amber with crimson hues.
A tight, beige head with a decent amount of lacework.
Aromatics are superior. Plenty of ripe fruit, juicy malt, vanilla, caramel, and some butterscotch. Vineous and complex.
The mouthfeel is crispish, with plenty of chewy malt and a light to medium amount of carbonation.
The pallet has a restrained amount of malt compared to the elders. Dark fruit, sugared spruce bark, and a bourbon-like fusel note.
Bitterness is medium, and balancing.
Finishes with lingering warmth and tacky malt.
At five years old, this vintage stands firmly in "A" territory.

Generally speaking, the fresher the vintage, the better, with the exception being the 1997, which was bested by the 1996.
The 1996 was also the only vintage at 9.9%abv.

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2008 01:55:13 | More by brewandbbq

ojiikun

Washington

3.83/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Found on tap as the '05 vintage at a strong beer fest at Collins in seattle. Served in a 12oz goblet, has a little head that falls to a doilie in moments. Body is dark, dark brown down the center and a cool amber on thew edges. Crystal clear.

Restrained nose with pretty strong malt notes, dark candi, and fruity hops.

Taste is overwhelming. Fresh limes, oakey booze, sour fruit. Meaty, salty middle of black teas, a middle that is reminiscent of gin, and with a finish like irish pot still whiskey and very hard cheese. Sweet but not overly so, balanced well with all the sour acid. Aging has really brought the components together. Grains remain clear, hops get a little muddy with the booze, but are still prominent.

Mouthfeel isn't sticky but is coating. Carbonation could be stiffer. Booze hides well, but not completely.

This brew is big on flavour, overwhelming this geek's palate without remorse. Time has merged things but not mellowed them. Might actually be even more remarkable at a year old or less.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2008 02:14:23 | More by ojiikun

barleywinefiend

Washington

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Poured a deep bronze with a nice creamy head that dissapates pretty quickly leaving a light amount of lace seems to be quite heavily carbonated for a barleywine.

S: Very fruity aroma not much hop presence very juicy and effervescent,maybe a touch of brown sugar.

T:Alot of different malty/fruity flavors going on some caramel and raisin with alcohol cutting hard thru the fruit a light dryness in finish but I didnt pick up the hops as much as others have.

M:Big and bold very flavorful the beer has a prickly feeling in the mouth and it warms the insides.

O: Not bad.

Serving type: on-tap

12-25-2007 22:44:05 | More by barleywinefiend

mcallister

Ohio

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Russet colored, deep and bold with vibrant ruby hues. Head is brilliant white with tremendous length.

Pine riddled hop with sweet toffee malt and a fig backing. Prune and some raisiny aspects witha maple and brown sugar push.

Coconut and nutty flavors come to the fore front and lead into a fresh smyrna fig flavor. Dates and brown sugar seem to mystify the senses with a dry finish that may be too fruity. A feathery light body and mouthfeel fit this beers style and is a good barley wine for a warm fall evening at the brewery.

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2007 22:17:13 | More by mcallister

ccrida

Oregon

3.93/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on draft at the brewery in their Old Knucklehead glass, the barleywine is a medium dark garnett/ruby color with moderate, light tan head leaving a bit of lace.
The aroma is very good but understated, malt, fruit, caramel and some citrusy hops, and no real indication of the ABV.
The taste is similarly understated, particularly for a western US barelywine, but that is what I really liked about it. There are other more robust offerings out there that I like better, but just as many, if not more, overdone palate busters that I just don't find to be that drinkable, which Old Knucklehead certainly is. There is not a ton of complexity to the taste, but it's plenty interesting. Starts out pretty malty, caramel and other specialty grains, apricot and a distinctly nutty character, almost boarding on hazelnuts, a al amaretto. There is enough bittering hops to keep this very well balanced, which is something I've found too many barelywines to be lacking.
The mouthfeel is moderate to light for the style, with a medium amount of carbonation.
The drinkablity of this is pretty high as it is deceptively strong and mild tasting for a barleywine, although maybe not that exciting.

Serving type: on-tap

03-12-2007 04:29:19 | More by ccrida

ArrogantB

Colorado

3.7/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was a 2004 vintage on tap at the Falling Rock for Barleywine month. Poured into a pint glass it was dark red-orange with a very short white head. The smell was faint and indistinct. The taste was good but didn't taste much like a barleywine, more like a malty DIPA. I couldn't taste the alcohol I definitely felt it after drinking this one. Oh well I wanted to try this for some time and now I have.

Serving type: on-tap

02-13-2007 17:30:36 | More by ArrogantB

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.6/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Soapy off-white head, a hoppy barleywine. Carmel malt, a little roast. 2003 edition, average barleywine. A complexity of hops, citrus,cinammon and fruit. It all sounds tastier than it really is. Maybe by itself at dinner. Ohio International gathering, thanks JSquires.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2006 04:37:50 | More by northyorksammy

Gavage

New Jersey

3.43/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Appearance: clear deep dark burgandy in color with a nice 1/4" head that slowly faded. Some spots of lacing developed.

Smell: general sweetness and a bit of alcohol are picked up by the nose.

Taste: strong malt level here with prunes and raisins bringing an extra sweetness. A bit of dark chocolate is detectable and this is mildy bitter. Alcohol is definitely noticeable.

Mouthfeel: basically smooth, almost syrupy on the tongue. Heavy bodied. Flavors last forever on the tongue after swallowing.

Drinkability: so-so. The overall flavor was a bit better than average but this just did not excite me at all to think about having another. Try it but your mileage may vary...

Serving type: on-tap

07-27-2006 00:36:58 | More by Gavage

RBorsato

Virginia

4.88/5  rDev +22.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Tasted at the BridgePort Brewing Co./Brewpub in Portland, OR on 06/15/06.

Mahogany in color with a low tan ring for the head. Aroma was primarily malty with a hint of hops shining thru. Very well balanced strong malt profile with lots of hops and any alcohol character was well hidden. Perfect balance of hops and malts. Full-medium bodied and smooth with a warm lightly bitter finish.

A wonderful ABW without trying to be over the top on ABV !! Much more enjoyable than some of it's jet-fuel counterparts.

Per BB website:
11th vintage (?)
ABV: 9.1%, OG: 20.8, IBUs: 60

Serving type: on-tap

07-20-2006 19:21:02 | More by RBorsato

GClarkage

California

3.73/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

04/26/06- Purchased at Bottleowrks in Seattle, WA.

Presentation- Aged 2003 version. 12oz bottle with a vintage date on the front label. Poured into my Duvel tulip.

Appearance- Cherry-mahagoney colored pour. 1/2 inch head at pour. Light rim staying power as it warms. Light lacing left behind.

Smell- Tons of dark fruits. Raisins, dates and figs mainly. Deep sweet caramel malt as well. Very nice scent.

Taste- Not picking up even close to the amount of fruits in the taste. Caramel isn't as strong either. Has a light figgy taste with a deeper roasted malt background. Light amounts of dark chocolate as well.

Mouthfeel- Too high of a carbonation for a barleywine. Somewhat cola-like. Lightly bitter aftertaste.

Drinkability- Had higher hopes for this one. Not bad, but just a bit above average.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2006 16:12:39 | More by GClarkage

Crosling

Colorado

3.63/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 4

2003. Dark brownish red, with a lovely full foaming mocha colored head. Light oxidation (Sherry) in the nose, with aged malts, juicy dark fruits (mixed berry), brandy and alcohol. Buttered raisin bread malt flavors, with jammy fruits and light hints of toffee, cherry and licorice. Pretty light in body, but still pretty juicy and flavorful.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2006 02:42:23 | More by Crosling

AlexJ

North Carolina

4.08/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Slightly hazed medium amber in color sporting a proud head of wheat hued froth that retains well for the style, leaving some nifty lace artwork as it rededes.

Aroma represents a multitude of sweet malt notes, mainly scorched caramel and butterscotch. There's a deep sense of candied citrus peels with pinapple and cherries, almost like fruitcake.

Flavor begins with those lovely caramelized malt notes of burnt brown sugar, warm butterscotch pudding, and toffee. There some sweet fruit notes and a citrus-laden finish of candied grapefruit, tangerine, and lemon peel with hints of oozing pine.

Body is big, mouthfeel is oily smooth, with a creamy texture accentuated by fine, natural carbonation. An excellent barleywine.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2006 15:54:22 | More by AlexJ

Muddybuddy

Oregon

3.93/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This is a bottle of 2003 (No.11) bottling that I found at my local bottle shop (beer mail me if you want to know where) and was not kept refrigerated.


Appearance is somthing like a smoky amber with hints of rust. It's like looking through a reddish hued slab of smoky quartz. Pouing out of the bottle very slowly into the center of the glass and either raising the bottle or increasing the tilt allowed me to pour a dense two fingered head with slightly brownish tinges to a cream colored body. This was persistent and left some nice lacework.

Raisins that have been left out in a malty mixture and warmed up slightly with a sharp hops aroma hiding in the background create the main body of the nose on this one. There is a slight sweetness to the smell as well. This could be Old Crusty's cousin!

The taste is heavily malty and will probably be more mellow in a few more years, but hey... I had to try it. There is some definite sweetness to it that makes me want it for desert for some reason. The hops do make an appearance, but a mild one that reminds you of how hops degrade over time. I wonder how hoppy this was when it was bottled. Overall, I like the taste and wish I wasn't spending my time typing this instead of drinking it!

Mouthfeel is very acidic and somewhat dense. I do detect an overall alcohol warming, but it is very slow to set in and is very mild compared to some beers that I have tried lately.

Drinkability: Better than average. Though this beer may not be one I want to drink in quantity due to the heavy body, it is one that I will choose to drink again and want to share with my friends.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2005 02:09:21 | More by Muddybuddy

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

3.53/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Burnt orange with burnished orange-copper trim and a surprisingly large head of whipped, frothy, creamy foam that is equal parts pale orange, gold and beige. I can tell by the sound and feel of the pour that the mouthfeel will be full and sticky. Well, full at least. The cap has faded to a rumpled, thick disk and has left a fair amount of lace in small sheets. It's a clean look, with complementary colors.

The nose is pale and caramel malty and is fruity, with boozy cherries as the centerpiece. Despite the quadruplets that make up the hop bill (Magnum, East Kent Goldings, Cascade and Chinook), I'm having a devil of a time appreciating hops. My hope is that they haven't faded into oblivion in the two short years this beer has been in the bottle.

Call me underwhelmed. Very few, if any, of the attributes that I look for in a barleywine are present on the palate. Old Knucklehead is clearly malt-dominant, but not nearly enough malt is present. The brewery claims that 'double the malt' has been used. My question is 'twice as much as what?' Triple the malt would have been better. Or course it's easy to be malt-dominant when the hops don't put up much of a fight.

The four varieties noted above (warriors all... usually) are playing a very convincing game of possum. In fact, this is closer to an English barleywine than an American one for that simple reason. It's still a trifle cherry and orange fruity, but it's a few pounds of fruit short. Nothing really stands out here, nothing grabs me by the taste buds and forces me to pay attention.

Bad call on the mouthfeel. It sounded more full than it feels. When beer first enters mouth, everything is copacetic. At the midway point, cracks begin to appear. By the finish, what should have been a mouthcoating fullness had faded to a Teflon-like lightness. The subtle carbonation would have been a plus in a bigger beer, but becomes a minor fault here.

Fred Eckhardt smiles at me and tips a pint in my direction on the label of this 2003 bottling, #011 (despite the fact that Old Knucklehead has been brewed since 1989, '03 was the 11th time that it was brewed rather than the 15th). I must admit that I'm disappointed in this beer. I've gained an appreciation for a well-crafted barleywine over the past year or so. This one just didn't measure up.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2005 23:17:58 | More by BuckeyeNation

russpowell

Oklahoma

4.75/5  rDev +19.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

vintage unknown...

Pours a light tan to white thick head that drops off, but has a fantastic lace chase the beer all the way down the glass. Body is amber with some floaty bits that don't detract.

Smells of honey, treacle, malt & alcohol!

Large Carmel tastes with stingy hops on the tounge. Honey, bread, and fruit cake and & yum....

Just superior mouth feel, chewy,

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2005 03:53:34 | More by russpowell

GCBrewingCo

North Carolina

4.38/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

2003 vintage no 011

The beer poured into the glass clear at first and then with fine particulates in a deep amber color with an almost tan and frothy head which rose tall and fell slowly to lace the glass.

The aroma was malty with a slight alcohol aromatic coupled with a deeply fruity and caramel aspect. The aroma was bready and had a slight candy aroma which was quite enticing.

The flavor was divine with a strong malt backbone of caramel malt and vienna or munich most likely. The flavor contained a dark caramelization and a nice breadiness that was almost nutty. The malt was balanced by a substantial bittering that kept the almost candylike impression in check.

The finish was just almost dry with a lasting caramle and fruity impression and a nice bittering bite that lasted well into the afteraste. The body was just full and nicely done. A very nice barleywine that I hope is distributed in NC when it is released!

12 ounce bottle.

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2005 22:34:39 | More by GCBrewingCo

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

From a bottle marked No 011 2003 BOTTLING. Fred Eckhardt on the label. Well, I listened to my beer as Fred suggests... ....only the crinkle of the cap at the opening of this... and not much more during the pour! But maybe he has something there, bacuse that's the way this beer is, smooth and subtle, and under the radar.

It poured a clear, dark ruby-almost-brown robe beneath a short head of creamy yellowish foam that held well and left some nice spots of lace about the glass. Upon inspection of the bottle I thought that it had been filtered, but a peek at the base of the goblet revealed otherwise. There, nestled tightly, were the very compacted remains of whatever yeast had been in the bottle at the outset... and there they stayed, never rising up into suspension.

The nose was restrained for a barleywine, particularily one from the Pacific Northwest of the United States, but it expressed a nice shot of yeasty fruitiness over some mildly caramelish malt and some citrusy/piney hops. In fact, the combination of its fruity, citrusy hops and lightly sweet, caramel drizzled malt made for an appealing nose that was more loaded with soft summer fruit than anything sharp like pineapple of grapefruit.

In the mouth it was superbly smooth, bordering between oily and creamy... I guess you could say it was silky. Medium/full bodied with a restrained, natural carbonation.

The flavor was very much as the nose indicated, and also like the way it felt in the mouth. This is one rounded barleywine! Now, whether 2 years of cellaring did that (or even could do that) I'm not sure... let's just leave the credit to their brewmaster! It started fruity and immediately pulled in its caramelish and lightly nutty malt before quickly revealing more fruit (strawberry, grape, cherry). Some bready and toasty malt appeared across the middle, and then lingered in the aftertaste with some dull, piney hops and a mild bitterness. Each sip brought out more character (at one point I even tasted watermelon), but it's not really that complex. The balance, however, is astounding! If this could offer more flavor, it would be a knockout, but I fear that in doing that it might spin off course. As it is, however, it's one of the most remarkably drinkable barleywines I've ever had. Splendid!

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2005 21:53:31 | More by NeroFiddled

mentor

Colorado

4.25/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to someone whoe send this in a trade (but I didn't write the name clearly on the bottlecap, PN???...PisskyNights?). 2003, bottling No 011, stamped 15705 reviewed in April 2005. Hard pour to get a half finger tan head that has already settled to a thin ring around the glass. Beautiful color. Crystal clear and red coppery that's ruby when held to light. Smells caramelly and alcoholic. Really not much else there, surprisingly. Tastes great! Sweet and creamy rich malt with perhaps some hops and a quite guarded 9% alcohol. The mouthfeel is the first thing noticable. Smooth and silky like a rich thick oatmeal stout. Some brighter fruits come in the form of strawberries, peaches, and a hint of cherry sour. This rolls gently into a caramel and toffee pleasantness that's then teased by a rising alcohol. The alcohol rules a gentle reign briefly before caramel returns and lays the foundation for the aftertaste. The aftertaste is sugar sweet malt that's driving me to savor the aftertaste but also get more of this delectible nectar in my mouth. Throughout, the barely detectable cherry hangs around. Quite interesting. The predominant flavor that persists is caramel dipped strawberries. Me likey. Mouthfeel is actually just medium, but it's silky smooth. Carbonation is mild. Nice job, I'd take another any day!

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2005 04:09:24 | More by mentor

meathookjones

Virginia

3.93/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appears a deep caramel color with a good sized off white head. The head has good staying power for such a strong beer and leaves clumps and sheets of lace around the glass. Aroma is a huge bomb of malt sweetness and dark fruits. A little too much sweetness going on without much else to balance it out. Taste starts off with a sweet fruitiness over a touch of alcohol. Some molasses and caramel are mingling about as well. Ends with a nice fruity alcohol bite. Pretty thick and creamy feel to it that leaves flavor coating your mouth. Good drinkability as well. Goes down pretty easy and is smooth. I could definitely have a few of these if given the chance. Bottled in 2003 with a bottle number 011.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2005 20:11:00 | More by meathookjones

RedDiamond

Oregon

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

In comparison to the regular draught, I found the cask-conditioned version of Old Knucklehead slightly more relaxed though less flavorful. The maturity achieved in the cask tempered the taste to more modest contours. The aroma was equally dynamic and comparable to a fruit liqueur in both pours while the mouthfeel of the casked version, with less carbonation, came across as more rounded and plush. It felt like heavy satin to the tongue and did much to take the edge off a late December evening.

Serving type: cask

12-28-2004 06:17:46 | More by RedDiamond

oberon

North Carolina

3.93/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a deep bronze with a nice creamy head that dissapates pretty quickly leaving a light amount of lace seems to be quite heavily carbonated for a barleywine.Very fruity aroma not much hop presence very juicy and effervescent,maybe a touch of brown sugar.Alot of different malty/fruity flavors going on some caramel and raisin with alcohol cutting hard thru the fruit a light dryness in finish but I didnt pick up the hops as much as others have.Big and bold very flavorful the beer has a prickly feeling in the mouth and it warms the insides.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2004 02:39:10 | More by oberon

Thrasher

Oregon

4.7/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I believe Old Knucklehead was last released in Jan/Feb of 2003 so I presume this was a sample aged approximately 22 months. However it was sampled from the firkin at the brewpub, and I have no knowledge of how an aged cask beer is served. Do they add fresh yeast to an aged batch? Another possibility is that they brew fresh Old Knucklehead year-round for the brewpub and only release bottles intermittently. Regardless, I shall assume the sample was aged, since it was smooth, refined, and alcohol and hop flavors were kept well in check. It was just about the most drinkable barley wine I've ever had. From the cask, it was a ripe, vinous beer, appearing a very dark shade of amber with big-bubbled foam. Alcohol was lightly present on the nose but not really in the taste. The flavor was smoky, peaty, woody, full and malty with varnish hints. A light hop sparkle popped up on the finish, and while the substance of the beer is unmistakeable it is as user-friendly as a sessional amber ale. Despite the beer's hugeness it quickly disappeared from the tongue, requiring another sip to keep ahold of the fantastic flavor... and another, and another. Awesome.

** edit: the bartender at BridgePort told me they brew OK year round even if it's not being bottled.

Serving type: cask

11-22-2004 02:59:43 | More by Thrasher

Mitchster

Michigan

4.22/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hopped with Magnum, East Kent Goldings, Cascade, and Chinook.

9.1% ABV, OG=20.8, 60 IBU's.

Batch No.11 from 2003. Dedicated to Fred Eckhardt. Pours to a very cloudy deep caramel amber, forming a small yellow head with an interesting cinnamon tint. Retention is poor and quickly recedes to a thin layer of bubbles, and the lacing is sparse. Swirling produces a creamy looking head, but quickly fades, and the alcohol lightly stings the eyes. Carbonation is mild to moderate. Aroma is initially of spiced rum, followed by rum-soaked raisins, prunes, resinous oily hops, and caramel. Mouthfeel is stinging throughout, with a dense, syrupy body. Taste begins with resinous hops, rum and raisins, followed by a thick malt body with a moderate amount of roasted barley/chocolate malt/cocoa powder astringency and bitterness, with lingering notes of tobacco and leather through the finish. The finish is dry with moderate intensity woody bitterness. Alcohol is evident in warmth down the gutter, and has a isopropyl sting/astringency in the finish.

This is one of the better barleywines I've had. The tobacco, rum, cocoa powder and leather give it a lot of character that is sorely lacking in many barleywines, and the woodsy/husky finish pulls it all together. I could do without the isopropyl alcohol, but otherwise, this one's a keeper.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2004 18:14:57 | More by Mitchster

alexgash

Connecticut

4.03/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2003 Bottling no. 11
Pours a dark leather amber with a tight, thick, tan head. Great lacing.
Nose is very aromatic. Smells of earthy whiskey, tangy grapes, oak, bread pudding, and a whiff of alcohol leap out of the glass. Tangy/vinuous character is stonger than I would have thought for a barleywine.
Sweet, rich, fruity malt flavors up front. Tangy, musty, grape character comes through stongly in the middle. Hops ride in at this point as well. Bitter, resinous, and spicy pin pricks on the tongue. Bitterness swells into the sweet, caramelly/grape finish. Big, creamy mouthfeel that warms you up real nicely.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2004 03:00:28 | More by alexgash