North Coast Class of '88 Barleywine Style Ale

This 10.0% ABV barleywine is brewed by North Coast Brewing Company of Fort Bragg, California. It is part of the Class of '88 series of beers released in 2013 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of some of brewing's craft leaders (Rogue, Deschutes, Goose Island, Great Lakes).

The beer pours amber in color with glints of copper. There is over an inch of very thick off-white to very light tan foamy head. The aroma is full of tart, yet full orange and tangerine, tingling pine, some toffee-caramel sweetness. The taste follows the aromas quite directly, with lots of orange fruit and orange rind, whose tartness, along with the tingling  pine, duels with the round sweet flavors. There is a touch of grapefruit, and a bit of oakiness on the finish. It is a bit spicy and hot, definitely warming, without being boozy. Not terribly bitter due to the sweetness, but enough hops to not let this get anywhere near cloying. Full bodied without being heavy, there is a tingling of carbonation. This is a very nice American barleywine.