Release The Hounds

This potent deep amber ale also reveals attractive orange hues when held to the light. The higher alcohol content of many barleywines may reduce head retention, but this beer shows no sign of the problem. The nose picks up mild prune, vanilla and crème brûlée with touches of woody, herbal hops and a wisp of sorghum syrup. The flavor profile follows up with toffee-like malt, pleasant fruity notes, hints of burnt sugar, molasses, figs, dried fruit and modest hops. Big in body with a creamy, non-astringent, satisfying, slightly dry finish, this beer possesses restrained woody, floral hops that suggest an English profile rather than a citrusy, resiny American hop quality. Any dryhop character seems understated.