Grim Reaper
Barleywine Style Ale
Review Date 8/19/2000
Try?
Re-buy?
This beer gets
my vote as having one of the neatest beer labels out there, and I have seen
thousands. It features a side shot of the reaper holding his scythe, and
explains this beer is "A taste from the other side". There's more:
The Grim reaper appeared like a vapor, sucking breath from all who crossed his path. To the traveler he held out a cruet of draught. "I am the bridge to beyond," hissed the apparition, as he pointed a bony finger to the horizon. "Only I know the taste from the other side." The traveler's eyes told the story of his wonder. "My world must know the unearthly tastes of the Netherworld." He carefully retraced his steps. Passing the still-silent guard, he turned to look once more through the gate, then vanished. There are those who swear he never heard the Gatekeeper's whispered farewell: "you'll be back".
Grim Reaper is contract brewed for Netherworld Beverages by Olde Wyndham brewery in Willimantic, Connecticut. This brewery is located in an old mill complex and has a number of huge 60 barrel fermenters. They have a large capacity for a microbrewery, so it's not surprising they would turn to contract brewing to use some of it.
Grim reaper barleywine pours to a deep amber color with a very light head formation and a sweet malty nose. The palate is rich and malty, has a bit of fruit, is a little toasty, slightly sweet and warm with alcohol in the finish. There's a good amount of hop bitterness too. A satisfying, complex ale that was hard to find outside of Connecticut. Unfortunately, as with so many small breweries trying to compete in a tough business, the Grim Reaper eventually came for the brewery itself-and this beer is no more.
The Grim reaper appeared like a vapor, sucking breath from all who crossed his path. To the traveler he held out a cruet of draught. "I am the bridge to beyond," hissed the apparition, as he pointed a bony finger to the horizon. "Only I know the taste from the other side." The traveler's eyes told the story of his wonder. "My world must know the unearthly tastes of the Netherworld." He carefully retraced his steps. Passing the still-silent guard, he turned to look once more through the gate, then vanished. There are those who swear he never heard the Gatekeeper's whispered farewell: "you'll be back".
Grim Reaper is contract brewed for Netherworld Beverages by Olde Wyndham brewery in Willimantic, Connecticut. This brewery is located in an old mill complex and has a number of huge 60 barrel fermenters. They have a large capacity for a microbrewery, so it's not surprising they would turn to contract brewing to use some of it.
Grim reaper barleywine pours to a deep amber color with a very light head formation and a sweet malty nose. The palate is rich and malty, has a bit of fruit, is a little toasty, slightly sweet and warm with alcohol in the finish. There's a good amount of hop bitterness too. A satisfying, complex ale that was hard to find outside of Connecticut. Unfortunately, as with so many small breweries trying to compete in a tough business, the Grim Reaper eventually came for the brewery itself-and this beer is no more.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler
