Boulder Beer Company (Boulder, CO.)
More often than not, when most people think about the correlation between beer and penguins, they probably reminisce to a time, back in the day when one of world’s biggest fizzy yellow swill producing companies used a creepy, stalker-like penguin that sang an eerie little tune. Don’t tell me that you don’t remember it, because I damn well know that you still remember that haunting ditty. It goes something like this… “Dooby-dooby-doo”. Well, forget about that penguin and feast your eyes upon Killer Penguin from Boulder Beer Company.
Killer Penguin is a hearty barleywine that really lives up to its name. It comes dressed to party in it’s fancy, wax dipped bottle neck but is a killer in disguise. Anointed with a wooden relic that signifies the year of the batch it was conceived. This beastly concoction, once poured, displays a deep garnet red body that when held up to the light, shows a clarity similar to that of a lager. Medium carbonation displays an even ordered, tan head that is enticing and misleading at the same time. Aggressive in it’s nature, Killer Penguin shows no remorse and unleashes a full-on assault on your palette, leaving you stunned yet begging for more.
Rich aromas of caramel and resinous sweetness lured me in, causing me to raise an eyebrow. I served this to myself at a proper cellar temperature of 52 degrees farenhiet, to bring out all the complexities this barleywine has to offer. Flavors of candied fruits, brown sugar and a slight breadiness swarmed my taste buds. The mild and earthy hop bitterness definitely lurks in the background to the sweet and rich malty base. Killer Penguin is deceptively smooth and could easily cause over-indulgence if one is not kept on guard. I recommend sharing with friends or family if you are faint of heart, for this ale clocks in right at 10% alcohol. For being an ale of such high caliber, there is no boozy heat in the taste, only a slight warming feeling in the finish.
I highly enjoyed Killer Penguin Barleywine and would recommend it anyone. It’s great to enjoy right away, on a crisp winter night or cellar it for a year or two and see how it’s complexity changes. You won’t be sorry. Cheers!
Craft Beer Explorer 