Over the weekend I picked up a variety pack from Rock Art Brewery in Vermont. I could see what brews I was getting which included a barley wine, so I was pretty excited. Too bad looks can be deceiving.

The brews and my thoughts:

  • RIDGE RUNNER Mild Barleywine - From their website:

    Strong, Dark and Smooth, hold on to your hat cause you’ll lose your feet on this one!”

    Really? I thought this was a pathetic barely wine. YES - it was mild - so mild that I did not think it was a barleywine. I mean Catherine drank it for Pete’s sake!

  • WHITETAIL ALE Golden Ale - I am never sure what “Golden Ale” means. Is it an APA? An IPA? an Ale trying to be a mega-mass-brewer lager? Either way - Didn’t like it
  • MIDNIGHT MADNESS SMOKED PORTER - ok - it was ok - about sums it up

And last and certainly not least

  • AMERICAN RED ALE - the only one I liked. I liked it a lot. I reminded me of my beloved Humble Patience(R.I.P.) from Magic Hat. A rich red color and malt taste combined with a nice mouth feel.

Overall - very disappointing. BUT there is light at the end of the tunnel… a bitching stout(s) from a small brewery are coming up.

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