Review - Rogue Ales' Old Crustacean
"An unfiltered and unrefined Barleywine. Intense, robust, malty and dark. The cognac of beers. A hugh beer in a little bottle, this is a beer designed for sipping. Old Crustacean is brewed with eight ingredients, Great Western Harrington, Klages, Hugh Baird Carastan and Munich Malts, Chinook and Centennial Hops, free-range coastal water and PacMan yeast. Old Crustacean is best when aged for one year." -- Rogue Ales
The Rogue Old Crustacean is delivered in a very unique ceramic bottle with a rubber flip-top lid. The bottle itself is a sign of dominance and power. It pours a dark orange/amber hue and settles into a clear Irish-red body. The large frothy brown head, which sat on top for a long duration, mostly diminished - leaving a fancy lacing on the glass. This nose detected fruity (apple), light malt notes, and a dominant alcohol presence. The strength of this offering could not be mistaken. The initially soft sweet taste quickly moved into a harsh bitter finish that lasted for an average duration. Softly carbonated, it was rather thin and watery while leaving the mouth with a light oily feel.
The bitter hop finsh was unexpected in this barleywine. The strength of the alcohol was not a mystery. This would definately be an interesting beer to re-visit after sitting for a while. Jen thought that this was a beautiful beer.
Reviewed on February 17th, 2008.
