the only thing i dont like about this beer is the palate, everything else is great. it tastes exactly as an IPA should, some pine, some citrus, a lot of hops, a little malty, perfect, but just a little strong on the palate.

Sampled at Toronado 2009 Barleywine Festival. Pours clear brilliant amber with thin tan head. The aroma seems a bit musty with dusty oak, a bit of sweet brandy, then figs and raisins. The taste begins much the same with smooth brandy booze that slowly becomes somewhat harsh to go along with oak notes. Toward the finish dark fruity esters rise up with cherries, raisins and prunes. Nice brew.

Bottle. 22oz. It pours a hazy golden-orange body topped by a small off-white to beige head. Nice lacings. The aroma has a lovely citrusy and resiny domination, but in the back there’s enough malty sweetness to prevent it from going out of balance. Beef-stock, some notes of caramel and some grapefruit and orange-peel blend in. The flavor has a sugary, malty and beef-stock like background, with delicious hoppy flavors up front. Resin, grape-fruit, some orange-peel, green pinecones and a mighty good dash of bitterness. Full-bodied, maybe a bit sweet mouthfeel with pleasant carbonation. A touch of warmth too. Everlasting finish which is sure on the hoppy side. Fine bitterness and a malty sweetness. Even though it’s hoppy as hell, has a high ABV, and a quite big sweetness, it’s dangerously drinkable. A true masterpiece. (090215)

Scored this via trade and drank is almost side by side with Pliny the Elder. This beat out Pliny overall. Bomber pours a clear orange with a white, creamy head. Nose wasn’t nearly as nice as Pliny but still very appealing with tropical fruits, mango, citrus fruits, a touch of grapefruit and a sprinkling of sweet malt. Flavor is where Sculpin separated from Pliny, tons of sweet, sticky fruits of all shapes and sizes, sweet malts, but mostly a fruit explosion. Finish is bitter, but also clean and crisp. Really well crafted and a beer you could drink every day.