Smuttynose’s Barleywine Style Ale is one of their “Big Beer” series. At 11.7% ABV it definitely belongs there.

It’s a nice big malty sweet sipping beer that has a little bit of spicy notes to it as well. I had one from fall of 2010 and it was fine, but I think it ought to sit an mellow for a while. If you do find yourself with a bottle of this stuff then hide it away in your beer cellar until next winter. And if you find one from 2009 then drink it!

My favorite of the style and one of my top 3 favorite beers across all styles is Sierra Nevada’s Bigfoot Ale. This beer is very different, but it’s still very good – good enough that I’d definitely buy another.

My Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Beer Advocate rating: B+

Review Submitted By: Dan Hounshell