The 2-4 Beers of Christmas: Day 17 Tribute Barley Wine

Beer # 181 Tribute Barley Wine

Renaissance Brewing Company

Blenheim, New Zealand
Independent
Barley Wine 10.8 % ABV Brown Glass Bottle 330 ml.
$7.95 (Canadian) At the LCBO

Twitter: @RenaissanceBeer

Situated in the winegrowing region of Marlborough New Zealand; Renaissance Brewery`s building has had its own renaissance, or three. It has been a Malting house, an ice cream factory, and two different wineries. Its last incarnation is the one we are talking about though, In 2005 It became Renaissance Craft Brewery. They focus on small batches and good quality ingredients.


Let`s try some. Onto the tasting...

Pours a cloudy orange-tan colour with an very thin off tan head made up of tiny bubbles. Aroma is molasses and grains, with very subtle hints of citrus and black currant. First sip is hot alcohol. Once you get past that the beer opens up into a toasty, nutty, bready, fruity, sweet, and slightly syrupy drink. The black currant is very evident, almost tastes like jam on toast. There is some caramel Aeration brings out a sweet caramel berry, jamminess. Very much like a wine.

Impressions: Fail, So-so, Pass, Exceptional 



Cost: 5/6 PASS
Colour: 5/6 PASS
Beer Style: 5/6 PASS
Re-Order:  5/6 PASS
Experience:  5/6 PASS
Christmas Spirit 5/6 PASS


Final Thoughts:

Very good all-around barley wine. Excellent flavour development. Perfect for sipping with the Christmas pudding!



Cheers And Beery Christmas


CJT


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