Review: Heavy Seas Below Decks Barleywine Style Ale

Heavy Seas Below Decks Barleywine Style Ale (2012)
10.0% ABV
Clipper City Brewing Co., Baltimore, MD
22 oz bottle
Served in Dogfish Head Signature Glass
Date notched on on bottle: March 2013
Reviewed on 2/9/13

This barleywine pours a dark brownish amber color, looking a bit like apple cider.  Has a light beige thin bubbly head that dissipates somewhat quickly.  Moderate lacing.

Smell consists of malt, sugar, nutmeg, some citrus, some cherry, cloves, mild hops, slight alcohol, slight apple cider.

Taste consists of malt, sugar, honey, nutmeg, alcohol, cherry, cough syrup, raisins, mild hops, slight burnt taste, hint of caramel.

Mouthfeel is earthy, uneven, not much carbonation, good dryness at the end.  Some alcohol harshness come through.

Overall, this is an interesting tasting barleywine that's a bit uneven.  Malty, sugary with dark fruit and a sometimes harsh alcohol taste, but accented with fall flavors such as nutmeg and cloves.  It would be interesting to see where this would go with some age.  Right now, it's interesting, not overwhelming.

My score: 86