Old Dominion Brewery has released an unknown quantity of their Dominion Millenium barleywine ale that has been aged for 6 months in oak barrels previously used to age bourbon. George at the Mini-Mart graciously gave me a bottle to try out.

  • Poured amber to copper colored with a thick (3-4 fingers) off-white colored head. The head did not linger too long, but was thick and billowy while it lasted.
  • Initial aroma was strongly vanilla with alcohol hints (reminded me of vanilla flavored vodkas I've had in the past).
  • Finish is bitterness from hops and most noticably from the oak.
  • On second taste, I caught a hint of hop aroma (don't know what variety) before the vanilla took over again.
  • Mouthfeel was light for a barleywine - almost felt like a pale ale and was slightly oily (like strong liquor can be sometimes). Despite the obvious presence of the alcohol (in flavor, aroma, and "gut feel"), the beer is incredibly smooth and balanced.
  • Overall impression is definitely vanilla aroma with a light oaky bitterness and definite alcohol warmth. I'm not a fan of barleywines, but this beer is enjoyable and not overwhelming or harsh at all. One 12 oz bottle is definitely enough to fully enjoy what it has to offer.

Technical specs:

  • Bottled 2005-NOV-05 by Old Dominion Brewery.
  • 11.4% abv
  • Serving size 12 oz. poured from brown bottle (sadly with a twist-off cap).
  • Served in 22 oz wide-mouthed "pint glass".