Review – Stone Brewing Old Guardian 2008

This is something I look forward to right after the New Year mark. Stone Brewing delivers on the picture perfect West Coast Barleywine. Traditional Barleywines brewed in England, and on the East Coast of United States make a very malty, sweet balanced Barleywine style ale. Companies such as Stone and Sierra like to put the signature abundance of hops, and typically higher alcohol by volume. Because I cut my barleywine teeth on Stone Old Guardian, I have a soft spot for it. If you are able to, save a few bottles of this, and you will be in for a treat when the hop profile subsides.

Poured from a 22oz, silkscreen labeled bottle into an Old Guardian flute. Am I a Stone Fanboy, yes indeed I am?

Appearance: Reddish orange. Foamy cream colored/off white head, about 1/4 inch tall.

Aroma: Toffee and caramel at first, hazelnut, apricot, pine, and rum cake.

Taste: Caramel and butter toffee, burnt sugar, apricot, bitter hops and alcohol.
Mouthfeel: Astringent from the alcohol, warm, carbonated, yet some how smooth.

Overall: Very tasty, very complex, and finishes awesomely. I have had it old and young, and it is a great experience either way.

TheFullPint.com encourages you to write about your favorite beer. Submit your review to us by email, MySpace, or The Full Pint Dot Com Forum.