Evil Twin 'Freudian Slip' Barley Wine Ale

Evil Twin Brewing 'Freudian Slip' Barley Wine Ale. 10.3% abv. 60 IBU. Brown-red in color. Hazy. Sediment. Finger of foamy off-white head. Excellent retention and lace. Nose of caramel, malt, mild herbal spice. Aromas of ruby port emerge with the rising temp. Front taste of sweet bitter dark fruit, ample bitter fruity hops, rich malt, burnt brown sugar. Aftertaste is bitter herbal hops, prunes, raisins, sweet bread, somewhat dry finish. Full body. Mouthfeel is hot, astringent, round, sticky, thick.

This is an outstanding barleywine, truly a dessert ale with its decadent malty backbone and tall hop profile that greets you immediately. The nose is ever-present, changing as it approaches room temp, with a complex web of fruity and herbal aromas. The taste is most assuredly within category, but with enough bitter sweet herbal zing and dark fruit notes to allow it signature flavor.

I could easily pick this out of a line of barleywines in a blind taste test, yet it is not an off-the-wall novelty brew. Grab a bottle or two of this wonderful beer, particularly if you love barleywine. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Did you also at some point in your life get seduced by promising words like ‘probably (not) the best in the world’, ‘it (doesn’t really) work every time’ etc. This American Barley Wine says it how it is. It’s intense, attention seekingly hoppy and definitely your kind of beer. A beer with a big ego, drive and a huge thirst for recognition."

[source: eviltwin.dk]