Larkspur – Craft Beer Explorer

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!