Beer Review: Insanity

Reviewing the Insanity (unknown vintage) from Weyerbacher Brewing Company.
Score: 87

I wrote down the bottle code as being "02511245." Not sure what that translates to exactly. Served in a New Holland beer glass and enjoyed on 04/04/12.

Appearance: Pours a hazy bourbon color with a thin bubbly layer of tan head that quickly dissipates entirely. Minimal lacing, poor retention. 3.5/5

Smell: Brown sugar, molasses, and marshmallow. Light cherry and creamy vanilla. Very sweet and malty aroma. 3.75/5

Taste: Sweet brown sugar and marshmallow up front. A little molasses and fig sweetness, a light amount of cherry and a little plum too. Hint of oak towards finish. Some caramel malt throughout. The alcohol is completely hidden. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied, minimal carbonation. A bit too thin for the style. Creamy mouthfeel. Sweet finish. 3/5

Overall: Really solidly flavored barrel aged barleywine marred by an overly thin mouthfeel. This one drinks real smooth; too smoothly for an 11% ABV beer. Be careful with this one -- the alcohol will sneak up on you.

Recommendation: Definitely give this one a whirl sometime, though I think it is a bit over hyped. The flavors and mouthfeel should not be too intense for the casual beer drinker, though I may have drank an older vintage of the beer for all I know.

Pairings: English Stilton cheese.

Cost: $14.99 for a four pack.