A Beer For Geriatric Hooliganry - 10.2% ABV, 90 IBU

Old Ruffian, beer two of my Thanksgiving Barleywine Review Series. Quite contrary to the Criminally Bad Elf, this beer has greater body, heavy caramel character and is even sweeter than the Elf. Large amounts of hops are necessary to balance out the sweetness, thus the 90 IBU rating. Despite the mouth raping bitterness that 90 IBUs would indicate, the balance is effective and makes for a good compromise with the malty sweetness. Great Divide brewery calls this a "hop forward" beer, but hop aroma and flavor really doesn't come across, which is appropriate for the style.

70 Hops