Sierra Nevada - 30th Anniversary Ale (Jack and Ken's) Black Barleywine Ale

Jack McAuliffe was the first American "micro" brewer. His tiny New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, California inspired countless dreamers to start small-scale breweries of their own. Jack agreed to guest brew this very special ale in honor of SN's 30th anniversary. This Black Barleywine Ale is a nod to the legendary ales New Albion served at their legendary summer solstice parties. Rich with bittersweet and roasted malt flavors, balanced with whole-cone American hops, this robust ale should age gracefully for years.

The ABV is 10.2 and the IBU rating is ??
Style -Black Barleywine (American Barleywine)
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Snifter
Delivery 750ml Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours very dark almost black.  Has a big cream head with great retention and lacing throughout.
Aroma - Hoppy and Malty!  The hops stay constant through the session.  Aroma of an Imperial Stout, more chocolate than coffee. As it warms up to room temperature the alcohol starts to come through in the nose.
Taste -  Upfront is a pleasant sweet taste, then oak and caramel, finishes nicely with bitterness of the hops like a bitter chocolate, and a touch of spice.
Mouth Feel - Well carbonation and kinda syrupy.  Goes down easy.
Drinkable - Not bad, but I would not call in a barleywine, closer to an Imperial Stout.  Decent amount of stuff going on here to keep it interesting.  I purchased two bottles so I can age one for a year or two.

This beer pair well with cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =99

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