#barleywine LCI

Hazy amberish-brown colour, minimal creamy beige-ish head; aroma of dried fruity (with apricot dominance), soy sauce, some resiny, caramel, candied orange peel, marmaalde and slight chocolate notes; taste has similar notes to the aroma with some grape juice and alcoholic spiciness; I like it!

Best before 05/12/27, 330ml bottle; Vintage 2017, anniversary barley wine

APPEARANCE: dark caramel color with loads of cherry, mahogany and ruby hues under the light, fairly lasting small beige like head, moderate lacing

AROMA: rich and very inviting aroma, loads of toasted sugars, caramel, hard candy, jam, festive bread, sweet bread crust topped with marmalade, sharp raisins, dried apricots, mild nuttiness, very gentle herbal & earthy notes from hops in the background; a touch of soft liquor like alcohol, subtle oxidation note (lipstick, wax)

TASTE: soft and smooth carbonation, moderate silky and syrupy mouthfeel, medium full body but not full; medium sweet onset of caramel, melting sugars, candy, dried fruits like raisins, apricots, marmalade on toast; solid amount of hop bitterness to balance out the sweetness, herbal and woody presence, just a soft note of spicy alcohol (no heat at all), smooth nuttiness in the middle

OVERALL: aged really nicely, no drop of aromas or flavors, neither noticeable flaws; rich barley wine sweetness with pleasant bitter bite still after more than three years; dangerously drinkable with perfectly hidden alcohol

On tap at De Kaapse, pours a deep dark mahogany with a small beige head. Aroma brings out some vinous notes, with red wine, caramel, and dark red fruits. Flavour is extremely malty, with shitloads of dark dried fruits, red wine, liqueur, and caramel. Sweet but not cloying. Tons of depth here. This is lovely.