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Old Numbskull

AleSmith Brewing CompanyAmerican Barleywine
ABV: 11%IBU: 96
86
Overall
Aroma
10
Flavor
18
Mouthfeel
4
Appearance
3

What Our Panel Thought

Aroma: “Nice malt sweetness with hints of orange, lemon, and pine. Bready and sweet malt aroma.”

Flavor: “Bright and juicy hops avors push forward over moderate caramel sweetness and yeast esters that almost venture into Belgian-style bubble gum territory. A slight nuttiness adds an earthy foil against sweet orange and grapefruit citrus and lingers into the aftertaste with only a slight alcohol heat and a smidgen of phenolic bitterness.”

Overall: “An enjoyable beer that starts off fruity with strong citrus hops char- acter over a light and sweet malt base. The phenolic component was slightly off-putting and the hops aroma wasn’t quite as assertive as hoped for, but it was earthy, well-grounded, and very drinkable as an American barleywine.

What the Brewers Say

“Caramel and toffee notes abound in this deep copper-colored American Barleywine-style ale alongside toasted malt and a hint of ripe dark fruits. Old Numbskull showcases malt sweetness, intense American hops, and an aggres- sive bitterness.”

Big Beers (December 2015-January 2016)
Review printed in: Big Beers (December 2015-January 2016)
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Date Reviewed: August 16, 2020