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Hair of the Dog Brewing 2008 Doggie Claws Barley Wine Style Ale

  • Posted by oregonbeerlover May 3, 2009 - 1,275 views

     

    Doggie Claws 2008 Barley Wine Style Ale
    Hair of the Dog Brewing Co – PortlandOR
    11% ABV
     
    From our Hair of the Dog stash (thank you Alan Sprints), we pulled out the well rated 2008 Doggie Claws Barley Wine which is a holiday release each year, which you can tell by the name and the label.
     
    Have to be careful while pouring this syrupy hazy amber brew. There is tons of sediment in the bottom that wants to make its way into your glass. So by the careful pouring we do not see the usual head that is expected.  
     
    Scent of sweet caramel hops figures prominently in this one. Citrus honey in the nose as well.
     
    Tastes like honey, maybe because of the dark wild flower honey from Mt. Hood that is added to this brew. Some piney hops in the mix as well. There is an intense sweetness to this one,  but some bitterness evens out the flavors, and keeps it drinkable.
     
    Not an every day drinker, the alcohol definitely sneaks up on you, but a good barley wine overall.

4 comments
  • Mark
    Mark That sounds like something I would like since the sweetness is balanced out. I like some sweetness but throw in a good hop bite too and I am hooked.
    May 3, 2009
  • SimplyBeer
    SimplyBeer Sound like a pretty interesting Beer. Not as dark as I would expect from a Barley Wine. I've never noticed Hair of the Dog on the East Coast, I'll have to keep a look out for them.
    May 3, 2009
  • ibbjamin
    ibbjamin I thought the almost complete lack of carbonation and inability to tone the alcohol down were not up to par for a good barleywine. It was like drinking a boozy flat beverage. I'd much rather go for a Fred or better yet, Fred from the Wood by Hair of the...  more
    May 5, 2009
  • zl15bowling
    zl15bowling I have one of this sitting in my beer cabinet . . . can't wait to give it a shot!
    May 6, 2009