Left Hand Oak-aged Widdershins Barley-wine Ale

Left Hand Oak-aged Widdershins Barly-wine, Left Hand Brewing Company, Longmont, Colorado. 8.8% ABV.

Looks fantastic. Clear, crimson coloring, underneath a gorgeous head of cream-toned, rocky, lace-leaving head. Large and long-lasting, and looking great.

Aroma: deep, vast, rustic, and complex. Whiffs of dark fruit, cherries, brandy, all wrapped in an oak-y blanket. Mmm.

Taste: all that and more reappear on the tongue, Exceptionally smooth and mellow, while thrillingly complex and overflowing with flavor. Not too big in the mouth, not too heavy, nor too hoppy, while is plenty of that going on. Caramel malt, and toasty tastiness abounds. Alcohol never stings too hard, just buzzes below, while threatening sobriety. Rich maltiness grows and grows, increasing deliciousness, along the way. Never too sweet, but borders on it. I'm very happy with this one. Mmm, mmm.

Wait…now, here comes the booze. Boom-shakalacka, and all the while yum.