Schlafly Reserve Barleywine Style Ale (2009)

I picked up a bottle of Schlafly Reserve Barleywine Style Ale, vintage 2009, from Discount Wine and Liquors in Boonton, NJ. The beer pours very viscous and is a red-tinted amber color with a frothy off-white colored head. The aroma consists of caramel, raisins, figs, dates, malts, alcohol, and pepper. The taste is smooth and candy-like with caramel, raisin, fig, and date flavors taking over the front end with a great sweetness. The finish brings out an oak dryness with hints of pepper and pine. The alcohol content is 10.2% ABV. This was one of the best barleywines that I have ever had, and it has a smoothness like none other. The oak dryness on the finish was fantastic and really made this beer pop.