Driftwood Brewery Old Cellar Dweller 2011 was another fine gift from my beer exchange with British Columbian beer fan Leapbeer.
Old Cellar Dweller is a barleywine style ale, and thus a style that can handle and even improves with some bottle age. This bottle was from their 2011 Vintage and over 2 years old at the time of consumption. Like the other Driftwood beers I’ve tasted so far, this one is a winner!
Appearance: Cloudy garnet, rich mahogony (The haze cleared up as the beer warmed up, leading me to believe there’s a bit of protein chill haze going on. No big deal, just a sign of an unfiltered beer), tan head, good retention.
Aroma: Toffee, sherry, nutty notes, touch of smoke, leather tobacco.
Taste: Alcoholic warmth, round, nutty, leather, tobacco
Overall Impression: This beer still tasted pretty fresh and clearly had some more aging in it. Driftwood is really doing something right up there in Victoria. The beers I’ve tried so far have been consistently very good! This one is no exception.
Availability: Victoria, BC; British Columbia; and Seattle, WA.
11.8% ABV
