“A big American Barleywine is something to behold and a style every respecting brewer seeks to perfect. We are bringing sexy back to a traditional English style with the addition of pecans and American oak. Expect a mahogany beer with a big body, buttery texture and caramelized pecan finish. Bourbon barrel-aged.”

Glassware: Tulip.

Appearance: Attractive chestnut brown with two fingers of lightly tanned foam perched on top. Good retention and lace as it subsides.

Aroma: Displays rich caramel, toffee and butterscotch with the pecans adding a subtle yet defined nutty sweetness that ties in beautifully. Then there’s the hallmark bourbon accents that throw out vanilla, spice and somewhat floral tones. Aged oak also getting amongst it as well as sweet dark fruits as it warms. Superb.

Flavour: Follows on from the nose with a wave of decadent caramel and toffee then spiked with a vigorous shot of bourbon which provides the quintessential spice, vanilla and residual sugars. The pecans are evident from the beginning, playing more of a structural role in the background. Slightly cloying as it finishes sweet, spicy and nutty. Excellent length.

Mouthfeel: Silky smooth, sticky and well rounded. Medium-full body. 12.1% ABV! Unbelievably well hidden.

Overall: Exceptional way to kick off proceedings with this Idaho-an (??) brewery. On point and very well executed. Gonna have to get our hands on more from these guys.