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Old Ruffian

Review - Great Divide Brewing Company's Old Ruffian Barleywine Style Ale

"Old Ruffian is a hefty, hop-forward Barley Wine. Seemingly mellow at first sniff, with its subtle fruit aromas and complex caramel sweetness, this deep mahogany-hued ale quickly shows its true character marked by bold hop flavors and massive hop bitterness. Old Ruffian’s rich, slightly creamy, caramel malt mouthfeel balances its grapefruit, pine, and floral hop flavors, working wonders on your palate." -- Great Divide Brewing Co.

This is a beer brewed in true ass-kicker fashion. It pours a dark amber color with an average, fizzy, light-brown head that doesn't last very long. If we didn't know better, we could speculate that the alcohol in the brew was eating it alive. Body is clear with little to no carbonation, covered with good lacing. Aroma here is dominated by the presence of alcohol and a moderate burst of herb hops. There is also an emergence of light molasses notes from the malts. Initially, the ale is sweet, but quickly turns its focus to a heavy bitter bite at the finish, with a long duration. Medium body on the mouth and an oily texture, accompanied by soft carbonation and a heavy alcohol feel. Unlike the Hercules, the Old Ruffian wears his ABV on his sleeve.

Reviewed on March 28th, 2006.

Type:Barleywine
ABV:10.2%
Source:22 oz. Bottle
Score:19/30

Official Great Divide Brewing website