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2005 Vintage, notes added 11/05/05.
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Continues to grow on me. Definitely less viscous than so many others in the style, even lighter color and better head than I remember from the ’04 version. Good lacing too. This is the American BW that is not an American BW! Don’t get me wrong, it still has the warming alcohol and the hoppy characteristics, but these seem to be increasingly reserved for the finish rather than the upfront tastes.
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2004 Vintage
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Standard pour, color and lack of head for a Barleywine or a high ABV brew, but that’s where the similarities end.
Much lighter than a typical American BW, and some seriously different tastes. I definitely get the sherry notes that are noted on the bottle neck, and I get lots of distinct, ripe fruits in the first mouthful. What I don’t get is the same thick, syrupy mouthfeel, in fact I was very surprised with the lighter nature of the body of this beer.
Warm finish, with some hops.