Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – Lost Carnival by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer | Limited Release | United States

By James Link

Judges Rating: 94
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 18

Lost Carnival by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was reviewed in conjunction with the style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under subheading 33B Specialty Wood- Aged Beers after a pour from a 25.4-ounce bottle into an eight-ounce snifter.
Richly aromatic with a firm emphasis on roasted grains that are multi-dimensional and combine with alcohol to warm the nose.
Deep brown in color (almost black). Oblique, therefore too dark to comment on clarity and topped with a coffee-colored head, which fell off almost immediately.
A complexity of dark roasted malts delivered a black coffee flavor with vanilla and chocolate notes mixed with fruity esters as frequently found with higher-gravity beers fermented at warmer temperatures.
Oatmeal used in the grain bill lend a very smooth mouthfeel to an already full-bodied and full-flavored beer style.
All ingredients meld together nicely and are further enhanced by barrel-aging to create a unique brew worth your attention.