An interesting beer. The beer has no label but a label imitating card that is attached to the neck of the bottle with a rubber band. I remember having had at least two other beers with no label, Westvleteren 12 (older vintages only) and Melnais Vilks from Latvia. The beer looks practically translucent, dark syrup brown. A burgundy reflection can be observed within the drink. Carbonation is modest as a latte-hued lace ring emerges on the surface. It contracts thinner but still remains alive. Syrup and dark malt can first be found in the scent. A bit of raisin follows right thereafter. That's it. Honestly speaking, I anticipated and hoped for more since this is supposed to be an English Barleywine (sweeter, less hoppy and usually more complex than their new world cousins). Well, I'm not too thrilled. Syrup, yes, on the tastebuds again. Alcohol doesn't really hide, rather vice versa: it lends a bitter, slightly chemical note that I could have done without. Resinous hops, dark plum peel, a tad raw cacao powder and a whisper of cookie seal the deal. Not really impressive... The body is medium to medium-full. Hmmm... not impressive this one either – 12.7 % should have deserved a more robust body in its support. The finish turns even more bitter and tangy, alcohol brags boldly. Brutalistic tree and concrete walls; I inhale the dust as I walk; brutalistic tree, I climb and fall; I'm entangled in the aftertaste, you see? The mouthfeel is medium-full, tangy, lip-glueing, moderately sticky, somewhat alcoholic and, hence, chemical. Definitely not balanced. A tad drying. Rather challenging; I try to appreciate this in its own right but I just can't imagine us in a deeper relationship.