Class of ’88 Barleywine

Image courtesy of thewineandcheeseplace.blogspot.com

North Coast Brewing, in a joint effort with Rogue and Deschutes, has produced a fine barleywine called Class of ’88.  Follow the link for details.  I am more concerned with the beer itself.  Medium gold with plenty of carbonation and heaps of foamy head, Class of ’88 is a picture of beauty.  The generous amount of sticky Brussels lace left behind is a testament to the quality and quantity of the malts in Class of ’88.  The bouquet is full of rich caramel and grapefruity esters, and a good alcohol tang to boot.  This is truly a gut-warming beer at 10% ABV.  Class of ’88 is plenty sweet, but not cloying, and plenty hoppy, but not imperial IPA hoppy.  The exhale reveals a sweet, breadlike note, and the hop oils seems to last long enough to make you think about the dryness for a bit.  Nice!

85/100