Barleywine – Craft Beer Explorer

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!

www.boulderbeer.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Boulder-Beer-Co/

Marin Brewing Co. (Larkspur, Ca.)

Oh… it’s a jolly good day to take the little Old Dipsea out. Righty O! This hefty English Style barleywine comes in swinging at a judicious 9% alc. and is Marin Brewing Co.’s strongest ale among their ranks. Pouring a deep copper and capped with a short white head, this ale really is fat, sassy and easy on the carbonation level. Medium strength boozy aromas lead way to notes of thick caramel, toffee, praline and a miniscule touch of roasted chocolate trailings. The immediate flavors are sweet and heavy caramel, somewhat nutty with a warming alcohol finish that isn’t too hot to handle. They use East Kent Goldings and Styrian Goldings Hops which provide an earthy and herbal spice bitterness that is played down by the big malt base. They claim there is a big hop bitterness in the finish, which I’m not really picking up on. I taste more at the beginning of the sip.

Old Dipsea has a very full yet smooth body and mouthfeel. I can already feel the alcohol impairing my typing abilities as I dig deeper into this ale. Even though this doesn’t quite live up to it’s description, I am thoroughly enjoying this, as it is my very first barleywine and it has me thinking, “Where have you been all my life, Old Dipsea?”. This is definitely an ale to cuddle up with on a cold winter night, in front of a warm fireplace. You may even call it your “mistress”, but don’t let your significant other find out you’re cheating on them with this barleywine (unless they’re cool with open relationships? I won’t judge you). This ale is more than worthy of it’s many awards and accolades over the years. They also offer a Barrel Aged version of Old Dipsea, which I am dying to try now.

For as big and strong as this ale is, I am truly loving it. I’m not one that buys beers for high alcohol content and I don’t drink to get drunk. I drink high quality, hand crafted beer for the flavor, the experience, and the adventure in trying something new. This has really struck a chord with me and I can highly suggest this to any fellow beer snob for it is quite a remarkable barleywine. Cheers!