Had the opportunity to do a 5 year vertical of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot barleywine
We chose to not open the 2013 and stop at year 2012 because of the flavor profile of the 2012. a few tasting notes from the epic tasting.
2009
Slight oxidation huge roast tannin and caramel notes. zero hop profile on the nose or the palate. This beer was past it's prime and on the decline IMHO.
2010
Zero oxidation. Very nice plumb notes and a touch of raisin with caramel being the highlight of this beer. Malt and barley notes come through at the finish again zero hops on the nose but slightly on the palate. Very nice and warm barleywine.
2011
Absolute balance between the heat of the 9.6ABV the caramel and plumb on the palate and the hops being a real player in this beer both on the nose and tongue. the 2011 was by far the favorite of the group. It tasted clean and fresh and very drinkable. (I would oak this in a hot second)
2012
this is the reason we didn't open the 2013
VERY hot! the hops were so in your face we "almost" couldn't drink it. There was little of anything accept heat and hops. The hops were overwhelming as was the alcohol. This beer needs a year of good aging maybe 18 months.
I did blend the 2011 and the 2010 in a 2 oz glass and I feel this was the best of all.
I feel very privileged to have been a part of this. A HUGE thank you to Byron at Sierra Nevada for the beer from your personal cellar.
Cheers
Jay
We chose to not open the 2013 and stop at year 2012 because of the flavor profile of the 2012. a few tasting notes from the epic tasting.
2009
Slight oxidation huge roast tannin and caramel notes. zero hop profile on the nose or the palate. This beer was past it's prime and on the decline IMHO.
2010
Zero oxidation. Very nice plumb notes and a touch of raisin with caramel being the highlight of this beer. Malt and barley notes come through at the finish again zero hops on the nose but slightly on the palate. Very nice and warm barleywine.
2011
Absolute balance between the heat of the 9.6ABV the caramel and plumb on the palate and the hops being a real player in this beer both on the nose and tongue. the 2011 was by far the favorite of the group. It tasted clean and fresh and very drinkable. (I would oak this in a hot second)
2012
this is the reason we didn't open the 2013
VERY hot! the hops were so in your face we "almost" couldn't drink it. There was little of anything accept heat and hops. The hops were overwhelming as was the alcohol. This beer needs a year of good aging maybe 18 months.
I did blend the 2011 and the 2010 in a 2 oz glass and I feel this was the best of all.
I feel very privileged to have been a part of this. A HUGE thank you to Byron at Sierra Nevada for the beer from your personal cellar.
Cheers
Jay