A taste of… Old Horizontal Barlywine

Victory Brewing Co.
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335
USA
(610) 873-0881

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Old Horizontal Barlywine was purchased for $3.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Market in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There is a note stamped on the label: “Enjoy by Nov6 2014/B3”

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of a creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?

The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: There is a slight haze to this deep copper colored brew. Tiny bubbles gather to form a very respectable head for a barleywine. It is rocky but not pot-holed and a sparkling foam of light parchment.

Aroma: First impression was of a perfumed summer afternoon… an almost rose aromatic. The second “nosing” found the sweet malted-grain undercurrent. The third nose-dive reveals a slight peach ester (aroma).

Flavor: First it’s refreshing then it warms right up. My sinuses immediately went on high alert. The second sip first found the malted grains hinted at in the aromatics and then the tart tang of the hops pushed their way to the front to be scorched by Ethel the alcohol. The third timid sip left a much more satisfying effect. (Too much of a good thing is no better demonstrated.)

Mouth feel: Luscious.

Finish: Stays for a while and then some… not unpleasant company though.

Comments: At 11% alcohol by volume this is a brew to share in snifters while the two of you perspire by the fire.

Food & Beer: A slice of not-too-old, but rather creamy, Stilton… that’s it.


The Brewery: http://www.victorybeer.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/345/1009

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/victory-old-horizontal/624/