Day 1: 01.01.10 Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine

Alright peoples. What better way to kick off the new year than with a little exploration of barleywines. the first week of the new year will be an exclusive look at barleywines, both domestic and european. We're gonna start off with the granddaddy of em all. here we go... 


Dogfish Head Craft Brewing Inc.

Milton, Delaware


Olde School Barleywine


Style: American Barleywine
Availability: October-November
Format: 12oz - 4pk
ABV: 15.04%
IBU: 85
Batch info: reads "bottled 2009"


Bottle & text info:

Bold, yet smooth! Fermented with dates and figs, this bone-crusher has a completely unique flavor. The concept for this beer came from an old Cellerman's manual Sam came across. At 15% abv, this beer is a great candidate for ageing. Over time, the beer dries out and the pit fruit flavors come forward and the hops recede. Our recommendation? Grab a few bottles when you find it - enjoy one now, and age the others for a bit. Let us know which you prefer! Olde School Barleywine comes out in the fall (November-ish) annually. It is available in 12-ounce bottles by the 4-pack. For more info check out the vid,here!. wanna know what's up with the cowboy on the label? (paging matt hart.) click.... here!

Tasting notes:

Predictably smells of figs and dates / belgian fruits. Delightful hint of green apple and butter on the nose. slight diactyl perhaps. Pours a beautiful ruby red with little to no head with beautiful striations and lacing on the surface. From front to end, this drink is a collision of fig flavors and red and green apple notes interweaving throughout. Candied pear and hints of sweet grapes, like muscadine and a bit of butter on the finish. the alcohol is masked extremely well. Drinks strikingly similar to a muscato or an apertif. a nice dessert sipper or a cozy night cap. Definitely a bit green. I can see how this one would benefit with further maturation. A sure fire winner for beer geeks with garages, closets, basements and other makeshift cellar's. 

In short, a bit sweet but still an incredible barleywine. A true feat in brewing. Taking an extreme beer to another level. I mean, anything less than 15% would be predictable, right?