Great Divide Old Ruffian

Great Divide Old Ruffian is an American Barleywine. The 2013 vintage is a winter seasonal and was available from January – March. The bottle date printed on this is a smeary mess, so I don’t know for sure how old it is. I know I have been holding onto it for at least 1 year though. First off, like so many other beers, this really improves as it warms. A very spicy hop profile is somewhat balanced by some sweet caramel/toffee malts. Maybe a hint of vanilla on the finish. The spicy hops are making this very similar to Sierra Nevada Big Foot to me. This was pretty solid, and I think it would have been better in a year or two. I will look for a bottle with a clear date and shoot for two years of age.