#226 Avery - Hog Heaven Barleywine

The bottle mentions this beer has 100 IBU and is made with 2.5 pounds of Columbus hops per barrel or 31.5 gallons. IBU or International Bittering Unit are measured by calculating the Alpha Acid's of hops and amount of hops used. It's pretty complex math, most people rely on computers to do the calculations.

This beer has a old ale raisin smell with a hint of floral hops. The color is dark brown and cloudy, with only a little light passing through. The head pours thick but dissolves quickly.

This barleywine has a mild malt flavor with a light chocolate taste. There is also a good dose of hop flavor with floral grassy notes. A strange earthly, wood or saw dust taste is also present. There is plenty of bitterness to this beer. The mouthfeel is medium full, but not as full as other barleywines. This finish is bitter and dry, with a slight mint taste.

I don't like the saw dust flavor, it might be a sign the beer needs to age more. I would like a more rich malt taste for a barleywine not this slight hint of malt. I don't like this beer.