Griffin's Bow - Boston Beer Company

    Griffin's Bow Oaked Blonde Barleywine Ale is Samuel Adams's take on a classic Barleywine. Brewed by Boston Beer Company (Boston, Massachusetts), this ale differs from regular Barleywines by being aged on oak as well as having more hops in the mix than one might usually see in the style. This is the final 22oz bomber that was included in the "Small Batch Collection" I received for Christmas.

    Griffin's Bow pours a bright golden-orange color with a huge frothy head on top which leaves lots of lacing on the glass. The ale is quite clear.

    The Barleywine smells slightly sweet and much more hoppy than I would have expected. There are some fruity notes to the smell such as pineapple and grapefruit. There is also a slight scent of alcohol which reminds me of dark red wine.

    The ale is medium-thick bodied and has an almost syrupy feel to it. There is a very mild level of carbonation in the ale. A slight alcohol warmth can be felt when the ale is held in the mouth. The Barleywine has a high alcohol content (around 10% ABV) which is common to the style.

Ten pints for Giffin's Bow!

    Griffin's Bow is sweet, but not overly so. Much more bitter hops flavor is present than in most Barleywines which I have tasted. The hops aren't overpowering, however, and add a nice counter-balance to the normally extreme sweet presented by Barleywines. The oak that the beer is aged on definitely lends a bit of its flavor to the brew, but it is quite subdued. There is a huge amount of malt sweetness as well as a bit of honey flavor to the ale.

    I often joke about Sam Adams making beer which is somewhat in-between craft and macrobrews. The "Small Batch Collection" really isn't much different, though Griffin's Bow seems to be the most legitimate take on an ale that Samuel Adams has created so far. I am a huge fan of Barleywines, and I am a huge hophead. Therefore, I must admit that I am quite a fan of this beer.

    With its sweetness and bitter hops balance, as well as its slight oak character, Griffin's Bow Oaked Blonde Barleywine Ale is a very enjoyable take on the classic Barleywine. While I wouldn't recommend that this be the first Barleywine that someone would try, I definitely recommend that fans of the style give this ale a chance.

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