Karl Strauss Barleywine - Karl Strauss Brewing Company

blitheringidiot

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Costa Mesa and ALLELUIAH...it's a pint glass full o' barley wine!

Appearance is a tawny amber russet hue topped with an instantly settled ivory cap. Light sents of mixed fruit and hoppy freshness.

First swigs: Light citrus aspects that toe the line between double IPA and American Barleywine. Crisp fruit of cherry and red grape along with an easy sugary malt backing. Body is a medium feel that is light for the style. This is no bigfoot, but still offers a boozy bite.

Last swigs: If in the neighborhood of Metro Pointe, pop in for a pint...yes PINT...of barleywine.

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2006 06:43:59 | More by blitheringidiot

IntriqKen

California

4.4/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed on tap at their Costa Mesa Location.
Poured a dark amber with a nitro-like creamy tan head that lasts and lasts leaving a sticky coating on the glass in it's wake. I'm told they use a mixture of nitro and CO2 in it which would explain it.
Aroma is soft fruits, apricots, pineapple, and a very big alcohol presence.
Taste is much like the aroma...soft fruits..mostly apricots, sweet sugary dark malt, then a nice citrus hop bite at the end. Again, a large alcohol presence as you swallow and it warms you on the way down.
Aftertaste is very hoppy and reminds me of SN's Bigfoot a lot.
Nice and fresh barleywine. Too bad it's not bottled. I'd like to see how this would be with a year on it.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2006 02:08:48 | More by IntriqKen