Stone Old Guardian

The Stone Brewing Company is in Escondido, San Diego County, California. This is a bottle of their 2013 release and this barley wine style ale clocks in at 11.6% ABV.

The beer pours a gleaming deep copper and orange amber in color when in the light. Next to the bottle, it looks almost as dark as the brown glass. There is an inch of very thick and creamy light tan head. The aroma is big, rich, fruity, malty, with tropical notes, melon notes, caramel notes, and sweet potato. The taste is like overripe tropical fruits, citrus, pine, oak, caramel, sweet potato, tea, and tobacco. It is sweet, spicy, bitter, dry. The bitterness starts moderate, but builds on the tongue. It has a full mouthfeel without being overly heavy. The carbonation is noticeable, but not overbearing and matches the style. It is not boozy, but does have a warming effect over time on the mouth and throat, all the way down to the stomach. This is a very good American barley wine.