Sierra Nevada Bigfoot 2011

We finally got Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot barleywine in! This was one of my favorite brews from last year so I have really been itching to try it again. I only wish I saved a bottle from last year to compare!

Right before I turned legal last year, I decided to do some beer research. I wanted to find out what was what in the beer world and I naturally gravitated toward the Barleywine style, It being big, hearty, malty, syrupy, sweet, spicy....and delicious! The only one I could get at the store down  the street was Berkshires Holidale which is on the lighter and sweeter side of the spectrum. After having Rogues Old Crustacean a few weeks later, I was pretty sure I liked but didn't really love Barleywines. I much preferred hoppier beers and barleywines just didnt have the bitterness I was looking for.

Then I tried bigfoot! It had the hops I was looking for along with the dark fruity maltyness of the traditional barleywine flavor. But by the time I had it, it was all sold out and I could not get anymore. So I have been itching ever since to have it again.

Poured into a Belgian tumbler, this 2011 Bigfoot raises a 2 inch head which dissipates to a half finger leaving great lacing. Elliot refers to this as a "our redhead", great color and pretty.  A slightly cloudy dark red/brown color body when swirled releases a beautiful bouquet of spicy/piny/citrusy hops. But there is something else going on in here. There is an earthy raisin smell that sorta reminds me of grandmas kitchen. Fresh baked raisin scones, doughy yeastyness, a little bit of alcoholic burn. Wee bit of smokeyness as well.

This first and last thing you taste are hops. It is a barleywine so there is a sweet malty bready character but it is balanced out by a dry hoppiness. It still holds a smooth creamy mouth feel though. A beer for the caramel lover in all of us. I am tasting prunes, vanilla,  and a little bit of spice. Great fruity warming sensation from the alcohol. Not a beer to chug but not necessarily a sipper either. Elliot and I both had 6oz each. I could have done with 12oz. (Maybe even 24.)

Overall I give this beer an A. I love the beer itself and I love that you can find it everywhere (for now). Although it is the hoppiest barleywine I have ever had, I think it is still very accessible to non-craft beer drinkers. If you're a fan of IPAs, Barleywines, Imperial Stouts, or even just Arrogant Bastard, you should absolutely give this a try!

Matt
Bibo ergo sum