Old Foghorn

Since 1976, Old Foghorn has been an eagerly awaited holiday in households across the land. Originally packaged in 7-ounce “nip” bottles and sold in four-packs, it now comes in six-packs of the standard 12-ounce “Anchor” bottle and is getting broader distribution than in previous years. Brimming with aromas of orange zest, pine forests and even hints of ripe pineapple riding over copious amounts of sweet caramel malt, this beer displays the classic American barleywine nose. The hop aromas struck Lee more as spicy and geranium-like than citrusy or piney, though he enjoyed the way they mingled with the sticky, Cinnabon-ish caramel malt notes. Tom especially liked the subtle pineapple ester and alcohol sweetness in the nose and thought they were masterfully intertwined. Pouring a crystal-clear deep copper color, this beer verges on turning red and throws a colossal white head that lasts long considering its rather substantial alcohol content. Lush tropical flavors of pineapple and mango burst on the palate, followed closely by a blast of hop bitterness and bright citrus hop flavor. The malt, however, is quite subdued for what is a traditionally sweetish style. Tim noted that the “malt is there, but the hops are the star of this show,” going so far as to dub this brew “a celebration of hops.” Pete focused more on the malt and praised the beer’s succulent Crystal malt and profound melon esters, pronouncing this a truly welcoming, pleasantly drinkable barleywine, if perhaps just a tiny bit too sweet in the finish. A full-bodied, stealthily alcoholic brew, Old Foghorn is the ideal replacement for your after-dinner cognac.