Like many Barley Wines, respect is required, and if you give the brew its proper due you will be rewarded.

A dense red pour, with plenty of viscosity and thick aroma. All that you would expect from a high ABV beast, some lovely “legs” in the glass to give a wine tasters analogy and plenty of upfront alcohol.

There are dense fruits that dominate the initial flavors but this doesn’t last long. After that I get plenty of alcohol and a syrupy but drinkable concoction associated with this type of beer. Not a classical Barley Wine, but a drinkable, modern version.

There was a time when you pick this up for $2.99 a bottle in the Atlanta area – excellent value.