February 25, 2010

Alaskan Barley Wine (2009)

I've had a handful of Alaskan's beers, and haven't really loved or hated any if them. Their smoked porter is a touch too smoky for me, but I recently found their summer ale to be fairly pleasant. That positive experience led me to try this, while it's still (sort of) cold here.

A bit of spicy, piney hop nose up front, with some brown sugar behind it. Almost smells minty, actually. Thick, herbal brown sugar sweetness. There's more hop here than I usually want, but it's not citrusy, and it actually works for me; the fruity sweetness carries it, I think.

I only want a barleywine every so often, so this might be my only one for the season. For that, it's not bad. Definitely one of the better American-style barleywines I've had.

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