Mirror Mirror - Deschutes Brewery

Neffbeer

Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2009 bottle poured into a Hill Farmstead Tulip.

A: The body of the beer yields a hazy amber color with some good looking orange hues. There is a decent one finger off white head that shows minimal retention and leaves a bit of spotty lacing.

S: As I stick my nose into the tulip I am greeted with a the pleasant aromas of a healthy barleywine; caramel, figs, raisins, vanilla, and a touch of wood from the barrels. It appears to have aged gracefully with no signs of infection.

T: Wow, this one delivers in a big way. A smashing onslaught of caramel, oak, brown sugar, apples, figs, raisins, and a huge vanilla finish. Absolutely divine. The booze is incredibly well integrated with only a subtle touch of heat on the finish.

M: Thick and super viscous. I found myself trying to take a bite along the way.

O: One of the best barleywines I have had the pleasure of trying. The barrels have smoothed this one out and yet the oak remains subtle and pleasing. Cheers to Deschutes for such a remarkable brew.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2011 00:32:12 | More by Neffbeer

GeezLynn

Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2009 bottle

A: Dull cloudy shade of orange brown with a full creamy head. Good retention.
S: Brown sugar along with some grassy hops. Surprisingly, wine barrel is still evident. For whatever reason I get a sugary strawberry preserves-like aroma.
T: Very mild fruityness - again, strawberry jam, vanilla, and plenty of caramel. Plenty of residual sugar apparent on the finish along with a nice alcohol bite. Very mild herbal bitterness. Overall, a smooth procession.
M: Medium to light for the style, with soft carbonation. Pretty resinous.

After seeing Deschutes had a new barleywine out, I went digging for this and was not disappointed. This bottle was slightly oxidized, but not enough to detract much. Very nice.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2013 02:38:23 | More by GeezLynn

megamass

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -4.8%

06-07-2013 05:09:24 | More by megamass

blindpiggie

Colorado

3.75/5  rDev -10.7%

06-06-2013 20:02:21 | More by blindpiggie

pisano

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev -10.7%

06-06-2013 19:35:16 | More by pisano

itracy63

Alaska

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%

06-02-2013 20:25:50 | More by itracy63

jakecattleco

California

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

05-31-2013 21:51:41 | More by jakecattleco

rawfish

California

4/5  rDev -4.8%

05-30-2013 15:29:36 | More by rawfish

Photekut

Azerbaijan

3/5  rDev -28.6%

05-18-2013 22:04:20 | More by Photekut

Kopfschuss

Oregon

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%

05-17-2013 07:13:29 | More by Kopfschuss

Skunkdrool

California

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%

05-10-2013 19:12:24 | More by Skunkdrool

gratefulbeerhead

Indiana

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

04-30-2013 02:03:53 | More by gratefulbeerhead

BigJK

California

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%

04-29-2013 06:18:00 | More by BigJK

fox227

California

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

04-23-2013 03:48:14 | More by fox227

mikeincharleston

South Carolina

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%

04-21-2013 01:19:17 | More by mikeincharleston

Kelp

New Hampshire

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

04-15-2013 06:06:07 | More by Kelp

orangesol

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -4.8%

04-11-2013 03:17:44 | More by orangesol

riored4v

Colorado

4.53/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

2009 release enjoyed on 4/9/13

Poured in to a tulip with a crystal clear, ruby colored body. 1/4 finger, khaki colored head.

Aroma was of dark fruits, cherries, caramel, molasses and subtle amounts of chocolate. Some light raisin and mild earthyness. Light vanilla/barrel notes.

Taste was excellent. Still some light alcohol warmth and heat with a mellow bitterness. Good amounts of dark fruits, prunes and raisin. Malty and biscuity with good amounts of caramel. Some light vanilla and oak notes. Slightly floral in the finish. Mildly sweet.

Medium/heavy mouthfeel, medium carb and a sticky finish that turned dry.

Overall this was great. Bottle says to enjoy after 4/20/10, so I'm almost 2 years past that point and the flavors really melded together.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2013 00:37:20 | More by riored4v

artoolemomo

Oregon

3.75/5  rDev -10.7%

04-01-2013 03:16:07 | More by artoolemomo

andrew84

Vermont

4/5  rDev -4.8%

03-26-2013 02:27:02 | More by andrew84

Sparky44

Illinois

4/5  rDev -4.8%

03-23-2013 20:29:12 | More by Sparky44

JRod1969

New York

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%

03-11-2013 02:38:28 | More by JRod1969

CoryR

Oregon

4/5  rDev -4.8%

03-07-2013 03:35:44 | More by CoryR

Pattelbert

Virginia

4/5  rDev -4.8%

03-05-2013 18:06:11 | More by Pattelbert

williamjbauer

West Virginia

4/5  rDev -4.8%

02-26-2013 23:43:27 | More by williamjbauer