Tap at HDG - cloudy medium red pour, with a lasting ring of lace - aroma of roasted nuts, vanilla, a bit of earthy, musty character - thin and quite dry - nutty character dominates, with some herbal notes, vanilla, minerals - loaded with oxidation, metallic character, and various other flaws that just pile on top of one another.

2004 draught @ the brewery, late December. Havent seen a barleywine with an appearance like this since I tried HOTD Fred almost a year ago. Dark golden yellow with some light copper tinges and a small white head. Lightly hazy. Aroma of bitter, citrus hops, like bitter orange peel almost (though there is none in here). Vanilla, almond liqueur and a light cara pils malt accent on the nose as well. Flavor is truly unique, it’s a mix of bitter hops and vanilla, almond and honey for the malt flavors. Seemed like there was an herbal or spice note in here, which I asked the brewer about, who said there were no spices, just lots of cascades. It’s quite sweet but has a lingering dry, bitter, citric hops quality that is not unbalanced in the least. Moderate house yeast character could be what is accounting for the spice flavor I detect. Medium-full body, lightly bubbly, somewhat creamy mouthfeel and a finish of hops and sugar. Very similar to Fred, seems like it’s modeled after the golden American barleywine. Whatever the stimulus, it’s a very unique and flavorful beer.