Widmer Brothers Old Embalmer '12

Widmer Brothers is from Portland, Oregon. This is a 10.2% ABV barleywine ale that features Bravo hops that are to give earthy and floral qualities.  According to the bottle this is good right away, but also cellerable.  This one was bottled on July 18, 2012. This beer was first brewed in 1999. Old Embalmer '12 is 75 IBU's and also features Alchemy hops.

The beer pours a deep amber, nearing dark chestnut in color with a tinge of orange. There is an inch of thick off-white to light brown foam, with a touch of creaminess to it. The aroma is hop forward, with a wave of orange and citrus, then mellowing into fresh, grassy and floral, on a solid base of caramel malt. The taste is sweet caramel malt, tangy citrus, lots of orange, candied orange, grassy, somewhat floral, with a moderately bitter finish that offsets the overall sweetness of the malt and alcohol. While the high alcohol is not out front, there is a noticeable warming effect in the mouth and throat, almost spicy. It has a nice body, not too light, not too heavy, considering its big flavor and alcohol. There is a warm, lingering aftertaste, deep and fruity, with lots of orange. This is an extremely nice barleywine.