Belle Dock Barley Wine

Review Date 2/16/1999 By John Staradumsky

  Style: Barleywine   Brewery: New Haven   Country: USA   State: Connecticut   $ Per OZ: $.50 (B)   ABV: 10%

On 5/9/1996 I wrote:

Called the brewery today, and they claim that no Belle Dock was produced this past winter, though ten cases they had held onto from last year were released. Fear not, the beer will return, probably next year.

I got lucky a few days ago when I stumbled upon a few bottles of this treasure. You see, this is beer from beyond the grave, as New Haven Brewing n from CT closed last year. They brewed one batch of this elusive barleywine three or four years back and released at various times, I've only been able to snag one bottle in past years.

After a few years of aging in less than optimum conditions, this beer has held up admirably. It's a deep ruby brown color with an attractive tan head  of minimal proportions, a thick syrupy body and a rich chocolatey nose.

The palate is incredibly complex, a touch of caramel emerges as it warms and blends with a rich  raisiny character and powerful notes of chocolate, a formidable alcohol finish warms the finish where a surprising touch of hops remains detectable and lingers slightly on the palate. This may be the last bottle of this beer I ever get to drink, but I'm sure I'll remember it for a long time.