Great Taste of Cottage Grove 2014 – Barleywine Results

Gold Medal – Evil Twin Freudian Slip

Silver Medal – Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (2012)

Bronze Medal – Centrals Waters Kosmyk Charlie's Y2k (2012)

Other Participants: Great Divide Old Ruffian & AleSmith Old Numbskull

Board of Director Votes (@jagatelife, @chadmeindl, @Badger_Alum1, @ahrensjeremy & @rjjturner)

Gold Medal – Evil Twin Freudian Slip

Silver Medal – Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (2012)

Bronze Medal – Centrals Waters Kosmyk Charlie's Y2k (2012)

Analysis

The barleywine category is how we finished off the night and as usual with the last event, things tend to get a little hazy towards the end of the night.  First off, it is worth noting that both the Bigfoot and Y2K had a couple years of age on them.  Interestingly enough, these two barleywines are considered the hoppy version of the style.  Overall, it is not surprising both of these beers fared well with both the general consensus and Board of Directors.  The surprise of the night easily belongs to the gypsy brewers, Evil Twin.  Beers that have great balance always fair the best in these blinded tastings and that is what Evil Twin was able to accomplish.  Freudian Slip and Bigfoot actually tied for the general vote, but Evil Twin won on a tiebreaker.  I was the only person that appeared to be a huge fan of Old Ruffian; the only thing I wrote on my scorecard was “heaven.”  Rounding out the backend was Old Numbskull, which was just a mess.

My Ballot

1) Old Ruffian, 2) Freudian 3) Y2K 4) Bigfoot 5) Old Numbskull

The Takeaway

I am not going to write “Told You So” (whoops I just did), but I am a huge fan of what Evil Twin is doing.  Keep checking in with them and get some Freudian Slip if you like barleywines.  If you like hoppy beers, definitely pick up both Sierra Nevada Bigfoot and Central Water’s Kosmyk Charlie’s Y2K.  The great thing about Bigfoot is you can pick up a 4 pack, have 2 this year and one for each of the following 2 years.  Since Central Waters switched to bomber format on the Y2K, I would say grab 2 so you can drink one now and age the other.  I always encourage people to try both fresh before aged versions of a beer!  Otherwise, keep the Old Ruffian on the shelf for me and avoid the Old Numbskull especially at a not so great price point.