Oggi's 1701 Tricentennial Barleywine

Yet another outstanding sample offered up to our little group last night at Tom Nickel's O'Brien's Pub..., rounding out a very enjoyable night full of some truly great ales.

It's easy to see how this won a gold medal at the 2002 World Beer Cup (Barleywine category), since this indeed a world-class Barleywine. Not sure of the age of this bad boy, but needless to say, it was in peak form last night. And after sharing a 22-oz bomber of this with friends, so were we...! :)

A little lighter than what you normally see in a Barleywine. But don't the looks throw you off -- this is no push-over. In fact, just from the aroma you can tell that this is one serious beer, not to be taken lightly. Massive malt presence from the very first sniff, along with the Tom Nickel signature hop aroma.

Chewy malt, with a pile driver-upside-the-head one-two punch combo of hops and alcohol. "Pleased to me you, hope you guess my name...", indeed!

Once you get past the first onslaught, the going is only somewhat easier. Carry on, and fight the good fight, and you'll be justly rewarded with the nicely warming effect of this hugely massive beer living large and taking charge.

Definitely something you need to slow down and savor. A weighty beer that really could be considered the be-all and end-all of the many fine American Barleywines that are coming out of Southern California. Highly recommended.
//TB