2026 edition @ Beer on the Wall, Parkridge IL. Cloudy dark yellow-orange with a foamy beige head, earthy malt aroma, adequate carbonation, medium bitter lightly caramelized malt taste with vegetal flavors, alcohol undertones and bitterness towards the end, smooth body, long finish with some alcohol burn. Quite drinkable despite the ABV.

Draught @ First Draft, Chicago IL (June 2026). Opaque vwey dark brown with a very small frothy tan head, chocolate aroma, low carbonation, medium bitter mocha-dark chocolate flavor, bit woodsy, alcohol undertones, like rum, smooth body, long finish. Delicious.

Man, per clarkvv below, I really miss muzzlehatch's reviews. Been a long time since I had a barley wine. Not since my Founders Nemesis Barley Wine in 2021. This bottle from vintage estate, can't find date code. Pour is hazy light brown. Had no head on an easy pour into my poco grande sipping glass. Smooth light nose of fruit, no sense of booze in the aroma. I typically don't think much of barleywine, but I've matured a bit in beer tasting since 2000. As a macro pale lager lover, I've not really been impressed by the style when they were plentiful. But now they are so rare, it makes me stop and think about what I'm drinken. Oh my, the legs on this are very attractive. Its a smooth tasting higher alky brew that shows its civility. Yea, the taste is impressive and respectable. On the second fill of the glass, I see it leaves a beige blanket for a head; and its staying for a long long time. Quite civilized, considering its alky content, would not think its over 10%! Intense alky fruit soaked traits and qualities. I usually don't enjoy real higher alky beers but I find this quite intriguing. Probably shouldah left this in the cellar for a few more years. How could this bottle only cost 3 bux? Overall, this ended being a nice casual and enthusiastic beer tasting session. Been a long time but I think this is as good as weyerbacher 19 and north coast class of 88. This must be aged if it want to be as good as JW Lees Harvest Ale - Matured In Lagavulin Whisky Casks. There, you have it.

Draught at Yard House, smallish head, clear deepest gold colour, citrus, malty, candy, fruit drops, medium herbal bitterness. Nice and drinkable, old style.

Slightly hazy pale yellow with giant white head. Lime, biscuit malt, and straw aroma. Mild sweet lime, biscuit malt, and mildly bitter straw flavor. Okay body.

Clear gold pour with a half inch white head. Smells of grainy malt and light citrus. Tastes mildly bitter with biscuity malt and pleasant citrus notes. Light bodied.

Golden yellow with large white head. Floral orange, pineapple, biscuit malt, and grass aroma. Moderately sweet citrus, biscuit malt, and moderately bitter grass/fresh hay flavor. Good body. Nice fruity pilsner.