Deschutes Mirror Mirror 2014 Reserve

The Deschutes Brewery is in Bend, Oregon and they have been brewing since 1988. This is the 2014 Mirror Mirror release, an 11.2% ABV barleywine with 50% aged in wine barrels (Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Malbec).

The beer pours a cloudy medium brown in color. There is a short and thin off-white head. The aroma is sweet barley, caramel, toffee, raisins, fruit and fruity tang, like candied oranges with just a hint of pine. The sweet and tang of the wine also comes through. The taste follows the aromas, a big, malty, sweet, yet tangy barleywine, full of caramels and fruits. The wood of the barrels adds an astringency to the finish. There is also some heat and spice on the finish. The beer drinks smooth, soft, and round. This is one very nice barley wine!  The Malbec comes through the most in the wine notes.