Tasting Notes: Baird: Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine

Baird: Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine (Japan: Barley Wine: 10.8% ABV)

Visual: Dark and cloudy ruby/chestnut brown with a thin dust of a head.

Nose: Coriander, barley and ginger. Full bodied and rich, touch of malt chocolate and cherries.

Body: So very sweet, strawberry, cherries. Bitter chocolate at the back. Brown sugar. Vanilla and cream.

Finish: Bitter hops, very dry, wheat. Dry oakiness and malt chocolate. Sour cherry.

Conclusion: This is a full bore barley wine with a lot backing it up. It’s harsh but has brilliant cherry and chocolate elements which off sets it with sweetness.

Rich, rounded and punches like a mule – Truly it is a stubborn old man stomping flavour across your tongue at the translation of its name suggests. Definitely give it a try if you find it, one for sipping and relaxing – maybe whilst complaining about the state of the kids today.

This compares well with the best of the barley wines.