Awaiting the 2010, let’s revisit 2009

Awaiting the next Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine

I remember not too long ago, browsing my local beer retailer looking for something that I haven’t had. Coming across the Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine, and remembering Barley Wines that I had 10 or 15 years ago. Lots of alcohol taste, sometimes a heavy over roasted malt flavor. Of course this was when not too many people knew or respected the finer points of beer. So when I saw this the memory prevented me from buying. The next trip, the same thing happened. Then soon, I had the realization, that so much has changed in the world of beer since this distant memory. So I bought a bottle. Boy was that a good move.

So upon getting home with my very pretty bottle of Stone Old Guardian, I make an attempt to read the back of the bottle. For those of you who haven’t seen this bottle, you might have trouble appreciating this effort. And for those of you who haven’t seen this bottle, don’t even attempt to read it, just go here, it’s much easier. After uncrossing my eyes, I put the bottle in the fridge for a little while. While it is chilling, let me remark that Stone Brewing Co may have the most beautiful bottles around these days. I am not a fan of gargoyles or some of their images, but the painted bottle is so refreshing to see. Each bottle is so well done, with paint so thick I am in wonder every time I have a bottle.

Okay, the time has come to pop this puppy. I pull out my favorite tulip glass, and pour. Out flows some reddish brown yumminess. Forming an off-white head that lasts just a minute or so. Reducing to just a ring around the edge of the glass, leaving a slight trail on the glass itself. The smell of this is rich. With strong scents of caramel, barley, and toffee. While you can get a hint of the hop profile too. Just some traces of some floral and pine scents. Very light though.

Drinking this, really brings back the words of Frank the Tank. “Once it hits your lips, it’s so good!” All of the flavors are prominent, but kind enough not to knock your teeth out. Lots of flavors from the nose carry over to the taste. Caramel and toffee being two of the most prevalent. With undertones of fruit. The hops character comes through a little bit on the finish with pine and grapefruit flavors becoming more noticeable. As with most beers I have the hops profile is the most noticeable in the first few sips and tends to fade by the end. This isn’t a function of the beer, but of our bodies and brains.

This barley wine seems to have better carbonation than I remember barley wines having. But of course this may also be because of my distorted memory of Barley Wines. But in any case, this has a nice mouth feel. Feels soft, and just the right amount of bubbles.

I think my favorite part of this brew is the drinkability. There are many beers that I have that critically, are wonderful. But could I have one on a daily or weekly basis? Not a chance. This is not one of these. While I can’t drink an Old Guardian daily, weekly is doable. And the only reason I say I can’t do it daily, is because I would need to buy a whole new closet of pants and belts! This really has become one of my favorite beers… err wines? The 2010 variant was released February 15th. I haven’t come across it yet, but I am anxiously awaiting a taste.

Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
ABV: 11.3%
IBUs: 95
Where to get it? I haven’t seen any places that have had this on draught lately. With the 2010 being recently released, you might be able to find that in the next few months. And I have found that if a store carries any Stone 22oz bottles, this will be one of them. Or at least if you find a store that carries Stone they can get this ordered for you.

** Update April 8, 2010 **
A recent visit to Victoria Gastro Pub in Columbia, MD revealed that they currently have Stone Old Guardian on draught.

Tags: Ale, Barley Wine, Stone