Drake's The Good S***

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 10 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

On tap at Drake’s Barrel House pouring up murky brown with amber hues and thin off white head. This looks like classic Drake’s Barleywine. The modest aroma offers up mild prune and raisin notes, molasses, a dash of chocolate and then some brandy and booze at the end of the draw. The taste is smooth with blended notes of brown sugar coated prunes and dates and hints of tangy raisins as well as sticky aged malt syrup and a dash of chocolate. To midway it picks up semi smooth sweet vanilla and brandy notes. Into the finish as the booziness ramps up so does a mild spicy oak note. Darn nice balance achieved here.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

Sampled at the Drake’s Barrel House on 2/18/2012. This barleywine pours a slightly cloudy dark amber brown color from the tap. Large to medium sized white foamy head. The aroma is caramel, fruity and sweet, wood, bourbon and brandy. A medium to full bodied barleywine. The malts are caramel, fruity and sweet. Some brandy and some more bourbon. The aroma is more bourbon than brandy, just the opposite of the taste. The hops are herbal and earthy. Mild carbonation. Nice blend of Barleywines. The taste starts with some brandy sweetness at finish with some bourbon sweetness. Hides the alcohol well. Really nice blend. Great sipping beer. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly sweet with a touch of alcohol bite.