J.W. Lees Harvest Ale (Lagavulin Whisky Cask)

[MAS_Puros]

So I found these at a local a few days ago and decided to buy one of each:

• J.W. Lees Harvest Ale (Lagavulin Whisky Cask)
• J.W. Lees Harvest Ale (Port Cask)
• J.W. Lees Harvest Ale (Calvados Cask)

After parking my car under a tree to have birds paint it white this afternoon :angry: and my last 2 hours of the day programming and writing code to only be lost because of network issues, I needed something to ease my nerves ... so I pulled the J.W. Lees Harvest Ale (Lagavulin Whisky Cask) out of the cooler. I needed a fix to calm me down.

Style – English Barleywine
ABV – 11.5%
Brewed In – Manchester, England
Availability – Winter Release
Year - 2006

Appearance
Peachy in color and really cloudy. Has big floating sediments with almost no head.

Smell
The smell was awesome,... warm bread, raisins, and figs. Almost like a raisin bagel. It was a rich and had a heavy smell, like I could almost chew it.

Taste
Surprisingly it tasted totally different ... it had the initial sweet barleywine taste with hints of sweet whiskey or brandy, not sure which but very smooth and creamy. Hints of caramel and toffee ... but the finish, is what caught me off guard, the taste of oak, wood and smoke rolled on the tongue. Really good and unusual. Also the taste faded pretty quick only making me want more.

Feel
At first its a bit warming as it goes down with a chewy syrup like feel. Goes down very smooth.

Verdict
WOW!!!! is all I have to say, I totally recommend to anyone, a must try for any of you beer guys. Definitely a sipper and good on a cold night. Can't wait to try the others :thumbs:

 

[rbbrock]

I have two of these in the cellar right now, waiting for the mood to strike. Your review is quite encouraging. Perhaps this weekend will present an opportunity for me to try one.

 

[smellysell]

Very nice review! I love barleywines and cask aged beers, but I haven't had this one yet.

 

[Rebel Herfer]

Great review. I want one now. I'll start looking tomorrow. :thumbs: