Session #17: Heavy Seas Below Decks barley wine

This edition of The Session is sponsored by Rob at Pfiff!.

Session #17 – Going Against the Grain Bill: Solstice Edition

The subject for July’s Session could be summed up thusly: Drinking anti-seasonally. Think of this as the unorthodox cousin of such topics as “beer and food” and “beer and music”. Beer and weather, perhaps? More like beer despite the weather, I guess. Cracking open a Guinness on the beach, finishing a day of yardwork with a Speedway Stout, or whatever else you do that raises an eyebrow (again, beer-related, please), do us all a favor an dtake a few moments to share your non-conformist tale (again, you kangaroos and lemurs down there, your take on this could be even more peculiar, so do chime in, please).

I had mixed feelings about this edition of the The Session. I was anticipating starting off this Fourth of July holiday by cutting my grass. With a very steep hill in the back it’s hot and thirsty work. The idea of spending an hour straining in the hot sun and coming inside to have something dark and heavy was, well, concerning me. It appears, though, that a rainy day has saved me from that fate. (It has also ruined any chance for fireworks, which is disappointing itself.)

On the other hand, I’m just starting to experiment with cellaring beer. I have some of Clipper City’s Heavy Seas Below Decks Barley Wine in storage. This is the 2007 “vintage”. I had one last year in December, and I am curious as to how it has aged. I was going to wait until December–or at least the Fall–to try the next one, but now seems like a perfect time.

From the label:

Our nod to classic English Barleywine-style ales, Below Decks is deep copper in color with a luxurious malt character. Have some now…and cellar some for later! Very limited release. 10% Alc./Vol.

Deep copper color. Decent-sized head with small bubbles. Very malty aroma with an almost bourbon-like scent. Not much aroma from the hops. Thick in the body, with some heat from the alcohol. More of that essence of bourbon, including a tingle on my lips. Finish is surprisingly light.

That’s good. I’m enjoying it. A great beer to have on a cold and rainy day like today. I’m looking forward to the next one at the end of the year.