Stone Old Guardian Barleywine, 2008 release

This was yesterday's advent beer, and since my brother-in-law and I both have these calendars, we decided to drink one and save one. It's probably a good thing we're sharing, 22 ounces of 11+% barleywine makes for a short evening.

This pours copper in color, a bit cloudy, with little head.

Aroma is big malt, alcohol, and hops, with solid caramel too.

Flavor is initially all malty sweetness, followed immediately by a big bitter finish that cleanses your palate and readies you for the next sip. There's noticeable alcohol warmth too, but it's not overpowering at all.

This is really tasty, and surprisingly drinkable. Lots of barleywines are way too sweet, but this one is perfectly balanced. Huge, but balanced. Good job Stone.