Stone Brewing Company's Old Guardian Barleywine,

I personally dislike Stone. All of that "you're not worthy" bullshit is ridiculous. And the gargoyles? Makes them seem like a bunch of emo wimps.

But like stouts, I have to try every barleywine I run across. Plus, after a long day at work, there's nothing like a bomber of 11.1% ABV beer.

Pours a slow, deep copper with a nice tan head that thins to a sheet. Slow carbonation tells me there's a good body in this one.

The head throws off a very grassy and sharp hops smell, which moderates to a sweet bready malt.

Fairly big feel, but a bit watery for a barleywine. Sharp hops with an odd twang. Not the appropriate bitterness that a barleywine should have, but a harsh, sharpness that isn't pleasant.

I can't remember the last bomber I poured out, but I'm wondering whether or not this will be one. It's just not a good barleywine.

Stone Brewing Company's Russian Imperial Stout Spring 2009

I don't really like this brewery. All that "you're not worthy" bullshit sounds like a bunch of douchebag beer fags who think that the only part of a beer that matters is the hops. They're stupid, but have plenty of douchebag faggoty fanboys who are right there with them, because they also think that the more bitter a beer is, no matter how out of style or imbalanced, the better it is.

But on this one, they showed some restraint.

Pours a fully opaque black with a big deep coffee brown head that fades slowly, but steadily. Great smooth smell, with a bit of a sharp alcohol tinge to it. Roasted malt with a slightly sweet chocolate smell underneath.

Great smooth feel to it. Silky, even, due to the substantial body and good carbonation. Substantial roasted malt flavor and the chocolate taste lingers as long as the bitterness to maintain the sweetness that balances out any bitterness. Overall a well balanced beer, without the hops pissing match.