Friday, August 22, 2014

#261: 21st Amendment Brewery » Lower De Boom (Barleywine)


21st Amendment Brewery » Lower De Boom (Barleywine)
ABV: 11.5% | IBUs: 92 | Rating: 8.6

Continuing on our 21st Amendment double-header, we have Lower De Boom -- an American-Style barleywine packed with citrusy Pacific Northwest hops. I'm a bit more of an English-style BW fan myself, but I trust these gold-mining San Franciscans. It's worth noting the relatively plain golden can (which goes with the story) that you might just mistake for an energy drink on the singles shelf. The box however, stays true to 21st's artistic nature, with a classy color print on raw cardboard.

Lower De Boom itself breathes life with a murky brown body with just a ring of head. A pungent nose of pineapple follows bursting with hoppy citrus and caramel.

Down the hatch, it's full of big,  burly, sticky flavor. Notes of pinnapple, dank hops, hibiscus rush out of the gate, giving this barleywine an herbal, dry finish. Further in, it's more abrasive nature takes hold, with hot booze notes and just a tad medicinal in the finish.

Overall, a dense, hot brew not intended for the lighthearted drinker. A serious beer with that may be a bit over the top for it's own good, but worth a try.

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