An English-style classic with rich flavors from time spent aging in bourbon barrels.

Mas is delicately rich and malty ale, best enjoyed fresh , but may evolve pleasentyly over time if cellared properly.
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This beer was released by the Bruery in 2013 and re-released for 2014 to the Reserve society. This beer was something I was always curious about but mainly let it slide because I was not a member at the time and something I through I could get better for. As it turned out, now I finally had a chance and I wanted to see if this beer was really worth it. A barrel Aged Barleywine. I could only start to think of Bourbon County Barleywine. At 750ml, I had to get it for sure. So here you go, the MASH review from the Bruery!

Aromas:
Dark fruits like raisins, plums, dulce de leche caramel, old bananas, clove spice, toffee, plantains, macaroons, toasted coconut, hazelnuts, almonds, pecan pie, chocolate, toffee, macamadamia nuts, rocky road ice cream, custard, brownies, chocolate cake, rye bread, maple, mocha, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, and condensed sweetened milk.

Flavors:
Rich toffee, dulce de leche caramel, toasted coconut, macaroons, marshmallows, rich bananas, clove spice, crème brulee, flan, plantain, almonds, pecan pie, chocolate, hazelnut nectar, toffee, macamadamia nuts, rocky road ice cream, custard, brownies, chocolate cake, rye bread, mocha, dark fruit raisins, plums, capirotada raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, condensed sweetened milk and maple.

Aftertaste:
Bananas, caramel, dark fruits, butterscotch, rye bread, chocolate hints, almonds and toasted coconut macaroons linger. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full bodied, a sipping beer and syrupy mouth feel yet smooth.

Overall:
Undoubtedly exceeding my expectations. The Bruery making a fucking Barley wine that can actually compete with even the world class ones and yet not recognized due to its availability!? Unheard of!! This should definitely be world class as it definitely proves what the true English Barleywine can truly be like. As I look at the EBWs from before this one is definitely one of the top ones! Highly recommended!

Anime Corner:
Senkanseiki from the Kantai Collection was used in this pairing to pair with the colors of the label and the evil that the beer represents. Evil in the sense that it is very good, it is too damn good making you want to drink the whole bottle. However, despite its richness and deliciousness, this one must be taken lightly and savored a sip at a time. The colors of the artwork resonate with the awesome flavor complexity of the beer ranging from the dark cherry, coconut, dark fruits and so forth. The strength of Senkanseiki can also compliment the strength of this beer’s ABV. So much can be said about this delicious treasure but the best part of this is leaving it to you, the reader to make of it what you will!