Here we are, at the end of my little barleywine week. But we're going out with a bang. The first two barleywines I looked at this week were a little bit similar, both very hop forward. This one breaks the mold. 3rd Year Beer from Revolution Brewing is a rum barrel aged wheat barleywine. Honestly, how could I walk past this beer and leave it on the shelf? It came in a box and everything! I've been excited to get to this beer from the instant I bought it so let's not waste any more time. To the beer!
3rd Year Beer pours a heep hazy chestnut brown. There are lovely ruby, peach, and golden highlights swimming about beneath a finger of dense, creamy off white head that recedes fairly quickly.
The nose on this beer is astonishing. The rum barrel aging really makes itself known with huge notes of caramel, molasses, and vanilla. Sweet hints of chocolate, sugary mashmallow, and maple syrup add complexity. There's also a peppery, boozy heat here. Which is unsurprising given that 3rd Year clocks in at 11.2% ABV.
The body of this beer has smoothness and creaminess in spades. Absolutely decadent. The booziness is present from the word go, but it adds to the experience rather than being harsh or overpowering. It's very full bodied with a syrupy molasses/ toffee sweetness. Oaky rum flavors of caramel and vanilla add to the mix. There's also plenty of earthy dark fruitiness going on as well with notes or raisin and date. For as big and sweet as this beer is, it is shockingly drinkable. A nice bitterness comes in on the finish and lingers pretty well.
This beer is astounding. This is the kind of beer I was hoping to find when I made it a point to check out some barleywines. Big bodied, creamy, wonderful complex sweetness, amazingly nuanced aromas. This is one of the best beers I've had in a good long time. Fair warning, 3rd Year Beer is a bit on the expensive side at $16 a bottle, but it is worth every penny. I am sorely tempted to go buy another bottle or two. Man this beer is great.
HD
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