Central Waters’ Bourbon Barrel Barleywine pours a refined deep amber with a tempting frothy, tan head that endures along with the aroma. There’s no deep breathing needed to catch the bold scents rising from this brew. Common barleywine dark fruit aromas like prune and biscuity malts mesh with the oak barrel’s heavy, wet bourbon. Hop bitterness and sticky-sweet bourbon notes immediately saturate the palate as they vie for the spotlight, clashing throughout the swallow. Sweet from beginning to end, this tacky brew lies heavy on the palate, with alcohol heat that hits the back of the throat and sinks deep into the chest. While this brew is enjoyable today, it’s a perfect candidate for cellaring.
