Karl Strauss Balboa's Vintage Barleywine

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

The second of two pints, while treating Karen to dinner at the Sorrento Mesa Karl Strauss location. While I could only give the Belgian Abbey Red Ale a charitable thumb's up, this beer is a bit easier to grace with positive marks, even if it isn't exactly what I would consider to be all-that adventurous, Barleywine-wise.

By-the-numbers in appearence and aroma -- nothing too avant-garde or eyebrow-raising there.

The same holds true with the flavor profile, to be honest..., but even still, this works. No obscure fruit-like notes to speak of, but, at the same time, this has enough malt and hops to get the job done. I kinda wished that additional layers of complexity would make their appearence as this warmed up from the sub-Arctic temperatures, but even still, what this beer did have going for it, it showed off in decent form.

A very paint-by-numbers Barleywine, for sure..., but even still, this well enough with a plate of Cajun food, FWIW.

A Barleywine that could be so much more than it is. But, on the other hand, could be so much worse, too...
//TB