Bottle was partially skunked. Bunch of sediment and some oxidization on the lip of the bottle. What was salvageable, however, was very nice. I had a Bigfoot recently, so I suppose that's where my mind is, but this strikes me as much more developed version of an American barleywine. That one was such a hop bomb in its fresh state that I almost felt like I was drinking a ratcheted up version of classic Sierra Nevada. The sweetness of an older barleywine is the dominating flavor here, but this bottle still hasn't lost the bitterness- mostly of the woody or even a bit vinous variety. Not cloying in any sense. I've had English barleywines that have leaned much further into burnt sugar and molasses territory than this one does. Mouth feel is noticeably light for a barleywine, probably a medium overall, but definitely sips a lot more mellow than its 11.5% would suggest. Hoping to pick up a few more vintages while they're still out there now that the HOTD has closed up shop for good.

A darker gold than most, drinks very, very dry.