Thursday 8 February 2007

Review: Carolina Old 392

Carolina Old 392 from Carolina Brewing Company
Rating: A-

Thanks to ipa2xs for shipping this to me in the No Name BIF.

Appearance: Attractive amber/honey color, slightly hazy, off-white one finger head produced by a rather rough pour. Good lacing.

Smell: More hops in the aroma than your typical barleywine, deep underlying ale fruitiness, sweetness is present, but offset by the hops. Distinct grape aroma is present as well. No hint of alcohol in the nose.

Taste: Much hoppier than your typical barleywine. Could pass for a DIPA in terms of balance. Hops are slightly astringent on the back of the palate, not a whole lot in the way of distinct hop flavors unfortunately. Alcohol shows up more in the flavor than in the nose. Doesn't taste quite as good as it smells.

Mouthfeel: Medium body, well-carbonated. Just right for the style, it avoids being syrupy.

Drinkability: A little astringent and high on the alcohol to be too highly drinkable. Slightly off for the style, but I'll never complain about too much hops.

Serving type: bottle

Reviewed on: 02-08-2007 23:05:49

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