Tonight just before midnight I am drinking a 2006 Schlafly Barleywine then after midnight I will drink a 2007 Barleywine. This drinking of two different years back to back for comparison is called a vertical. Barleywine's are high proof beers that are intended for sipping from smaller glasses.
There is plenty of dark malt aroma and sweetness in this beer. The aroma reminds me of Belgium beers, I think it is the high alcohol and high quantity of malt needed to get the high alcohol. This beer has a brown color that is clear enough to see though but only slightly. There is a nice head of foam on this beer that has a good staying power.
There are a lot of flavors in this beer. There are some fruity flavors a little like apples. This beer doesn't have any harsh alcohol taste for a 10% beer. The taste isn't completely smooth it starts with the fruit but gets washed away with the foam and then finishes a touch dry with a hint of bitterness. The mouthfeel is feel nice a full with the lots of carbonation.
I really like this beer, I like heavy beers like this that are sipped and not just drank for the sake of drinking. I think a more smooth taste would be nice. I am excited to drink the 2007 and compare the two side by side.
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