Against The Grain London Balling

Against The Grain London Balling is an English Style Barleywine aged in Angel’s Envy bourbon barrels for nearly 3 months. 12.5% ABV.

This might not win any beauty contest on appearance, but it is the right dark caramel color it should be, just a bit murky. The aroma on this beer is heaven. Rich toffee and caramel, the sting of sweet bourbon, vanilla and oak, a hint of sweet maple syrup. I want to smell this all day long. The taste follows with the aroma pretty well. The base is a sweet caramel/toffee malt base, then add to that elements of vanilla, oak, dark fruits, molasses, brown sugar, and maybe a little bit of apple sneaking in there as well. All of this is being bullied a bit by an enormous amount of bourbon flavor and pure alcohol heat.

I am enjoying this a lot at this point, but in all honesty some aging could help this cool out a little and make it a bit more drinkable.