A treat and a delight rolled into one. A very special beer for sipping and savoring.

9.3 oz bottle, $6.95 Greens, Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA, USA, 2004 vintage.

First time that I have opened a beer for a period of 24 hours before drinking; done it with wine before, but never with a beer.

Orange, clear, syrupy and viscous pour with a decent finger of tan head produced with an aggresive pour. Head disappears quickly and obviously there is no lacing.

Aromas are all sherry and alcohol, with deep alcohol soaked fruits. It drinks in the same manner with alcohol and sherry upfront, but in the finish it reminds you of its origins as a Barley Wine. A slightly dry, bitter ending rounds out the experience perfectly. Alcohol is there but it doesn’t feel anywhere near the 11.5%.

Expensive, certainly, but as an ocassional treat there are few better.