7.9

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8.5

Pours up at AZ Strong Ale Fest 2014 with a murky deep copper body that has thin gold edges and supports a light tan head. The aroma is sort of malty, earthy with spicy dank hops and pine hops. At the edges I get mild wort graininess that shows up at the end of the draw and creates some balance to the aroma. The taste begins thick and malty with pine hop richness blended in there with it. To midway it picks up a sliver of wort graininess and more pine resin. Into the finish faint notes of blueberry to sweet cherry esteriness are at just noticeable levels but add interest to this solid barleywine. The big ABV is very well hidden and the body is just about right for a rich drinking experience. It seems a little cellar time might round this out into something greater than it is right now. I would be happy to try some more of this.