Review - Harpoon Brewery's 100 Barrel Series: Barleywine Encore Series
"Our Barleywine pours a reddish, golden hue with a slight carbonation. The piney, citric aroma and flavors coupled with the sweet malt character reflect the generous amounts of ingredients used to brew this beer. The warming finish of this rich, full-bodied ale make it the perfect cold weather companion.
Second release in November 2006 in 12oz bottles and draught." -- Harpoon Brewery
The Harpoon Barleywine pours a light amber/medium color and settles to a clear body with a small off-white fizzy head. The lacing was thing and watery. The nose detected a light fruit (berry/grape) and hop aroma. We were slightly surprised of the hop aroma, but it was quite pleasant. The initial sweet citrus taste was followed by a slight bitter finish with a slight alcohol burn for an average duration. Fizzy and light in body, the citrus flavor was similar to a light hefeweizen and left the mouth slightly dry.
We have visited this beer in the past, but have not officially reviewed. It has improved with age (released in 2006), but considering it is 10%, the alcohol presence was very well hidden. The hoppy nose and citrus reminded us of a Double IPA. It was much tastier after sitting for a while.
Reviewed on February 17th, 2008.
