Feb 14, 2012

Sweetwater Brewing 15 Years of Heady Beers

Sweetwater Brewing 15 Years of Heady Beers photo

This Friday, February 17, 2012 will mark the fifteenth anniversary of Atlanta’s Sweetwater Brewing Company. But that’s not all. The brewery was also recently listed at the 27th largest craft brewery in the nation — the company isn’t some flash in the pan. But, that’s still not all. This is also my first time enjoying a product from the company, having received this sample (and branded snifter) from brewery.

Billed as a barleywine (with a West Coast vibe), this 10% ABV and 70 IBU anniversary brew has been classified as an American Strong Ale, as well. Which ever style realm it may reside in, 15 Years of Heady Beers is a brew that is refined, flavorful and more than suitable for such a celebration (more on that here).

Appearance

Pouring an orangish amber in color, this big brew sits with a dense, off-white head that fell slowly to light surface lacing.

Aroma

The nose on this beer is subdued, but not in the sense that it’s lacking. The aroma is refine, delivering a solid malt sweetness, caramel, hints of orange, light grassy hops and a touch of alcohol. Smells welcoming.

Taste

The brew starts off with caramel malts and a touch of toffee before moving into a solid hop presence that is piny and citrusy — and one that carries a decent level of bitterness that lingers nicely. The alcohol shows up more in the finish as well and comes out more as the beer warms in the glass. There’s a decent sweetness to the beer, but not in a cloying sense. It’s appropriate for the style. The beer’s medium body and light-to-moderate carbonation makes for a smooth sipping experience.

Overall

Sweetwater has crafted a tasty barleywine that is refined and balanced with plenty of malt sweetness and counter-balancing hop bite. The alcohol content, for its strength is fairly well hidden, only really opening up as the beer has had a chance to warm — at which point it does go to the head a bit.

Most companies may celebrate a milestone such as 15 years in business with some crazy, barrel-aged monstrosity (which I’m perfectly fine with), but I can really appreciate what these guys were doing with this beer. It’s a refined and traditional, yet hoppy brew that has an air of respect and humbleness toward the brewery’s own success. If I’m ever down in Atlanta, this will be one of the first places I visit.

Rating: 4.5/5

This is a review of a promotional sample received from the brewery.

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