Ever since I tried my first Dogfish Head beer, I’ve been a fan. Recently, the Olde School Barleywine caught my attention from both my love for the brewery and the style and ABV. An impressive 15% ABV makes this beer not too sessionable but worthy for a review.

This 12oz bottle was poured into a snifter glass and what a great color it had. It had a slight haze, nothing noticeable, and was a nice copper color with a reddish hue. The head was off-white, tiny in size and left really no lacing on the glass. The head didn’t need to be big because the scents from this brew rocketed from the glass.

I immediately was hit with sweet red berries bursting from the glass. I picked up on strawberries and raspberries initially. They had more of a red wine scent to them than anything; alcoholic and prominent. I also couldn’t help but notice a nail polish scent. This was probably caused from the alcohol that also had a dominance in the nose.

The taste was pretty good. The mouthful was medium-bodied, perfectly carbonated and sweet up-front. You’re hit drastically with the sweet berries and the maltyness in the brew. Unfortunately, the delicious confection is hindered when the alcohol sets in. It’s quite a dominant taste and burn. You can feel the warm alcohol in your mouth and down your throat as you swallow. It has a very whiskey-like burn to it.

I’m not opposed to have an alcohol burn in my beer but even at 15% ABV, you can still hide it well. I’ve tried the Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA which stands taller at 18% ABV and hides the alcohol better than the Olde School Barleywine. I didn’t really deduct a lot for that factor but it definitely played a part in the grading. If you’re looking for a heavier Barleywine than Olde School should fit the bill. It’s sweet, tasty and has a warm smoothness to it. However, be warned, if you’re not into the alcohol burn, I’d stay away from this one.

Overall: 7.5/10