Bearly Legal Barley Wine - Thirsty Bear Brewing Company

beerguy101

California

4.47/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Golden amber color, small head. Aroma is malty and fruity with a touch of oak. This is the first barleywine that I've had that was served in a wineglass! Not complaining because it worked. A big and bold aged in oak barley wine. Malts are bold, slightly sweet and very smooth. Hops are slightly spicy. Well balanced. Smooth taste with a slightly oiliness. Reminiscent of a nice sherry. Touch of oak, cask aged 3 years. Incredibly complex flavors. Nice barleywine, worth seeking out. The food at this place is also amazing. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter with a noticeable alcohol bite.

Serving type: on-tap

09-27-2003 05:56:12 | More by beerguy101

t0rin0

California

3.75/5  rDev -6.5%

03-02-2013 23:40:47 | More by t0rin0

eawolff99

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -0.2%

01-07-2013 18:49:00 | More by eawolff99

barleywinefiend

Washington

4.1/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Toronado Bwine Fest:
Poured a nice amber color with a small white head(so to speak). Smelled fruit and very malty. Nice hopsto it.I saw a previous rating that mentioned oak but mine didnt maybe they did not age in oak on this batch. This batch was reported to 8.8 ABV which was a little weak for me but it kept drinkability good and the taste was killer so I didnt mind.Its not about ABV its about taste! Malts are bold, slightly sweet and very smooth.

Serving type: on-tap

02-23-2008 23:29:29 | More by barleywinefiend

drewbage

California

3.73/5  rDev -7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Sampled during the 2004 Strong Ale Month at the Thirsty Bear resturant.

This is a review of the 2003 vintage in a tulip glass.

Aroma is sweet and slightly corn malt aroma with a low spicy hop aroma. Alcohol enhances a licorice spice in the end aroma.

Flavor is shaply bitter on first sip. A growing malt fights with a tannic and acidic character before a long hop and alcohol burn that first clears the senses and then nullifies them.

Serving type: on-tap

03-20-2004 07:26:29 | More by drewbage