Review – Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine – 2004

Retro Stone Brewing Press Release -San Marcos, CA — In a classic case of not leaving well enough alone, Stone Brewing announced this week that the recipe for their award winning, once-a-year special release, Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine, has been scrapped. Perhaps permanently. In its place is the entirely new recipe that will be presented to the no doubt angry public in early February.

“We fully expect a fair bit of backlash over this,” reported Stone CEO Greg Koch. “The love of our Old Guardian Barley Wine recipe, which we have only modestly varied over the years, is well established. There’ll be some heat to say the least.” (Link at bottom to rest of press release)

Stone Brewing Co. – Old Guardian Barley Wine, Vintage 2004 – On Tap at Stone Winter Storm – Poured into a 10 oz. glass- 11.6% abv.

Appearance: Auburn, no trace of head or suds, with a few bubbles rising to the top.

Aroma: Apricot and sugary malts. Plenty of bitter and citrus hops still.

Mouthfeel: Moderately fizzy, not too sticky.

Overall: Impressive, and I am suprised it is still this hoppy. Just shows you how much was most likely in the beer to begin with.

Click this link to read the entire Old Guardian 2004 Press Release from stonebrew.com!