From Brewsters Brewing Company out of Calgary, Alberta comes their “Blue Monk Barley Wine” a bottle from the 2015 vintage.  Last time I had this beer it came in a much smaller bottle and I wonder why they made this change as half a bomber is an easier sitting with a huge barleywine.  The beer pours a deep copper colour with an off white head.  The aroma consists of dark frits, caramel, toffee, brown sugar and sweetness.  The flavour is of dark fruits, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, earth, resin, bitterness, maybe a hint of citrus hidden with alcohol bringing in the rear.  The alcohol content comes in at 9.5% with an IBU of 65.  There is no doubt this is a true barleywine and its pretty enjoyable.  I wish people would stop trying to pass off Triple IPA’s as Barleywines these days.

Commercial Description:  The monk represents discipline, respect and morality but that doesn’t mean he can’t indulge in a holy brew now and then. Blue Monk Barley Wine is an English style strong ale characterized by an intense, fruity flavour with notes of bread and toffee. Malt varietals include 2-Row, Carastan, Special B and Munich. Hop Varietals include Chinook, Magnum and Cascade.