SPECIAL REVIEW: Central Waters Brewers Reserve Kosmyk Charlie Y2K Catastrophe Ale (AGED: 1 year - bottle)

The Dirt
Oh barleywines, how I love thee. Especially after aging, as the hops tone down and the beer usually gets quite smooth. The Y2K was a great representation of a barleywine with a very present black liquorice like profile for the first half of the beer from the hops and malt mixture. It then fades to a delicious toasted caramel flavor, something I think American barleywines do more of, and I love.

Although I haven't had this beer fresh, I can tell the aging process made the beer smoother, as there are remnants of its harsher past. As the beer warmed up, the hopes became more present and lingered longer, perhaps being a bit too hoppy and slightly too dry. The nose becomes more hoppy as well.

All in all, a delicious barleywine that's a beautiful hazy burnt orange and brown color. I've had the privilege of having the bourbon barrel version of this, which is an absolute five out of five. A year or two longer of aging might get this regular version a step or two closer to such status.

Worth it?
My brother gave me this because he's not a fan of barleywines (yet). Even to purchase, the answer is yes. A good representation of its style that is good for aging.

The Final Word

SPECIAL REVIEW: Real Ale Sisyphus 2008 (AGED: 4 years - bottle)

The Dirt
"Four years? What the heck were you doing!"

A fair question my friend. Barleywines can be great to age a couple of years, but truth be told, this was somewhat of an accident. I bought this when it was already a year or two old, and should have consumed it then, but wanted to hang onto it for just a bit longer. Before I knew it, I was pulling this out of my wine fridge and going "Oh crap! Need to drink this NOW."

In the end, this "accident" wasn't all that bad. I concluded that I certainly waited far too long, but this made for an interesting experience. First off, this baby was smoooooooth to the n-th degree. That's what four years of hibernation will do - obliterate any unsuspecting hops until there are none left. It was almost too smooth, as the back-end was a bit too subdued - almost stale in a sense. The front half was delicious though, with great barleywine flavor sans the usual bite, and a slight biscuity flavor in the middle. Despite the empty end, the beer left what is best described as a film on the tongue. That may sound nasty, but it was actually kind of interesting, as it was almost sweet. To put it another way, it did not detract from the experience. The beer improved a bit as it warmed up a tad, but letting it sit too long allowed the alcohol to come out way too strong.

Lesson learned: try 1-2 years next time. Leave long-term aging to the Dogfish Head 120 Minute.

NOTE: This review is primarily based on the aging of this specific beer, not for a newly bottled and purchased version of the Sisyphus. Perhaps I'll get there one day.

Worth it?
If I recall, the Sisyphus is a bit pricy. But it is delicious, especially if you like barleywines. I would certainly try this again, but age for only two years versus four.

The Final Word

Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine

The Dirt
A barleywine from Dogfish Head? Sign me up!

You could certainly tell who made this beer, as it clocked in at a healthy 12% ABV. The Olde School also had a "Bad Boy Barleywine" nose on it, making this one big beer. However, the first few sips initially reminded me of the 90 Minute to some degree, with sweet + hops and plenty of alcohol, followed by a barleywine profile. After sitting for a few minutes, and a few more sips, the beer comes more into its own as a full-on barleywine. It could have been a little darker with a tiny bit more barleywine flavor, but that was likely altered by what it took to get this beer as big as it was. Still a very good barleywine that will be all the beer you'll need that night. In other words, not for the faint of heart.

Worth it?
Yes, as barleywines are usually pretty pricey to begin with, and this guy was huge. I still think that Lagunitas' Gnarley Wine is my favorite, and it's a steal, but the Olde School was still very tasty.

The Final Word

 

Sam Adams Griffin's Bow

The Dirt
Part of the Sam Adams experimental line, Griffin's Bow claims its style as an "oaked blonde barleywine ale". Sounds interesting? Or maybe confusing? Yes, and yes. It certainly has the oak flavor down, especially at the front end, but I only tasted a hint of barleywine before it fades to a blonde and then nothing at all. It could almost be labeled as a weak oaked trippel or high-octane pale.I liked it more after it sat for a few minutes, but then it really lost all association with a barleywine in my opinion. I guess when you drink this, just forget the label and drink it for what it is: an oaked double ale of some sort. If you let it warm too much, the oak flavor gets really strong, so either drink quickly or share (I suggest share...it's a bit potent to drink quickly). I also recommend a hearty meal to go with it.

I struggled to rate Griffin's Bow. For me it's a 3 if blindfolded, 2.5 after reading the label.

Worth it?
It was fun...a bit confusing, but fun. I doubt I'd buy again, but if you like trying oaked beers, this might be a good try. I find it hard to get past the absent traditional barleywine flavor though, which is probably unfair, but my taste buds must be directly linked to the part of my brain that handles expectations.

The Final Word