Killer Penguin Barleywine by Boulder Beer Co. $6.99 per 22-ounce bottle
Continuing a theme of ever-stronger beers as we get deeper into winter, Killer Penguin comes stomping out of the People’s Republic with alcohol by volume of 10 percent. This winter warmer is a clear copper with a small cream-colored head and light carbonation. The first whiff notifies the drinker that this is a strong one, with alcohol, caramel malt and vanilla filling the nose. The malt — not too sweet — hits the tip of the tongue, followed by some fig/raisin, then a strong hop presence finishes this one nicely. As barleywines go, the Penguin is fairly light-bodied and not as formidable as most, but it’s powerful and should be drunk with care. If you’ve never had a barleywine, this would be a good starter.
Boulder Beer Co., 2880 Wilderness Place, Boulder;
Marcus Chamberland; foamontherange
