Big rich maltiness is immediately evident. Brown bread with deep notes of caramel and toffee. With the deep caramel malt flavors, this beer almost comes across like a liquefied fruitcake with booze. The hop aroma is subdued but offers a light grassiness that helps cut through some of the intense malt. This beer is a clear mahogany with hues of red and a small thin khaki head that does not develop and disappears quickly. The flavor follows the aroma with a huge malt presence - toasty with deep caramel notes that suggest dark fruit such as raisins. There is a medium resinous hop flavor and high hop bitterness. The finish is moderately sweet with lingering warming alcohol. The beer seems too big for an American Strong Ale but is a nice example of an American Barleywine where the hops have dropped out a bit and the beer has mellowed some due to a year or two of age.
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Up The Creek
Description
Up The Creek is a hoppy behemoth of a beer with its 12.5% ABV well hidden under heavy layers of malt. The hops come through powerfully in the mouth, with rich roasted malt, sweet caramel, and a burst of vinous fruit. The finish is malty sweet and fruity, while the hops dissipate. Use caution or you’ll be Up The Creek!
Judges Review
Aroma:
19 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20