Lawyers, Guns & Money is an American Barleywine brewed by Crazy Mountain Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a snifter from a bottle.
Appearance
With an aggressive pour, the barleywine yields the best head. Its color is a chestnut brown, somewhat cloudy, and topped by an inch-thick cap of dense cream-colored foam. The retention is fair and leaves behind gobs of sticky lace and a soapy collar.
Aroma
The aroma is pleasant with a scent of dried fruit, spruce, and a hint of booze.
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Flavor
A soft taste of stone fruit spiced with clove ramps towards a hoppy bite of citrus before finishing bitterly with herbal hops, earthy woods, ash, and a mild burn of warming alcohol. A bready malt ties the palate together.
Mouthfeel
The feel is dry and smooth with a full body and low carbonation.
Overall
Hops dominate a bitter palate that more closely resembles a DIPA than a barleywine. Though a date isn’t printed on the bottle, it can be assumed that its harsh flavor would be tempered with aging. Freshly consumed, Lawyers, Guns & Money is a boozy hop-bomb that’s palatable but not one you’ll enjoy right away.
Recommended Pairings
Crazy Mountain recommends the following food pairings with this barleywine: An appetizer of applewood smoked bacon and blue cheese stuffed mushrooms with crispy buttery breadcrumbs. An entree of Braised beef cheeks in a rich tomato jus served over blue cheese polenta. A dessert of dark chocolate hazelnut cheesecake with toffee crumble.
