The Bruery, Mash and Vanilla

This Californian barleywine snuck up on me at a bottle share. I didn’t know anything about it so was able to taste it free from expectations. What I found in that glass was vanilla, caramel, coconut, oak, and bourbon. It was rich and smooth with a pronounced alcohol kick giving warmth in my throat long after I had swallowed that first stupendous mouthful. The flavours were intense, crisp, and clean. It fills your mouth and demands attention. It’s a big beer in a big bottle, and definitely too much for one person, so find someone special to share it with.