Stone Old Guardian Barleywine - Aging and Tasting Notes
By jason on Apr 30, 2008 in Aging Well, Barleywines & Strong Ales, Beer Tastings, Cellaring Science, Links, Porters and Stouts, Reviews
Name: Old Guardian
Brewer: Stone
Style: Barleywine
Vintage: 2008
Cellared On: March 7th, 2008
Original Tasting: March 29th, 2008
I wasn’t sure if this brew would make to Upstate NY or not. Not every Stone offering seems to make it this far (no sign of the Russian Imperial Stout yet), so I was pretty happy to see this in my local beverage mart. I happily bought a case, which I’m sure will keep me smiling (and buzzed) for years to come.
Much like the picture, Old Guardian pours a very clear amber with a slightly off white head. The smell is a very heady match of floral hops and sweet caramel malts.
The first thing that hits you after taking a sip is the hoppy bitterness. It’s floral, citrusy sour, and delivers the perfect amount of bite. However, the real show in this beer is put on by the sweet malty flavor. It’s absolutely delicious with flavors of caramel, raisins, figs, and brandy. It’s also perfectly balanced with the hop bitterness, just a wonderful combination. Bodywise, I would say the thick and slightly syrupy feel to this beer is a perfect match to the flavor. There’s just a faint hint of alcohol through the middle. The finish has hints of sweet caramel, but is mainly dominated by the lingering slightly citrus-sour bitterness.
Just a phenomenal beer, right up there with the Alaskan Barleywine for my favorite barleywine of the year.
Six Month Tasting: September 8th, 2008
Very little has changed here. Deep rich fruity malts, balanced out by a nice citrusy bitterness. I think the hops of receded a touch, but it’s a very minor change. There may be a slight touch of some “old hop” oxidized flavor, but it only adds another note to the overall complexity of the brew.
Cellar Outlook: Hmmmm…… not sure here. I have no doubt this brew will keep up well, but Old Guardian is pretty well balanced right now. I’m not really seeing how this brew can change or develop in a positive way.
Six-Month Cellar Outlook: It seems to be holding up pretty damn well, I think it’ll keep up for a few years at least. I am worried about further degradation of the hop flavors, however.
Next Tasting: March 2009
Jason
I just picked up a couple of bottles of this myself. Looking forward to aging. I too live in the upstate NY area. Do not know where you are but i have tracked down some Stone RIS in Albany.
Joe | May 8, 2009 | Reply