The beast of a beer you hold in your hand has quietly slumbered in Barton 1792 five year barrels for 15.5 months — slowly breathing in the vanilla and oak notes from the barrel staves and adding layers of complexity to this full-flavored barleywine-style ale. The Columbus and Centennial hops have blended with rich malt and oak barrel flavors to produce a beer that is meant to be savored with every sip.

It pours a caramel candy brown with a thin wisp of eggshell white head. Clear & distinguished oak whiskey barrel notes up front. Warm, sticky, & sweet.Heavy toast, burnt marshmallow, & malted milk ball candy are balanced by a present, yet smoothly quaffable boozy spirit note. Medium-full in texture & body, with sweetness, alcoholic warmth, & oaky astringency playing a carefully balanced three voice counterpoint. Hangs around until the last call on the palate, though unlike Semisonic, this boisterous barleywine will stay right here.