Drank: Mirror Mirror (Deschutes)

By Martin Cizmar

There’s still a full 12 months before you’re supposed to cut the wax topper off Mirror Mirror, the new super-limited barleywine from Deschutes Brewery. It’s been five years since the last round of Mirror Mirror, so we were reluctant to wait any longer. Essentially a double batch of Mirror Pond Pale Ale, this 11.2 percent, $17 bottle has the characteristic barleywine sweetness, balanced by a healthy dose of Cascade hops in a way few barleywines manage. Half of the batch went into wine barrels, which adds a layer of oaky warmth. The only thing better? The other bottle we’ve socked away, to be opened next March. Recommended. 

WWeek 2015

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