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So we thought we’d try something new. Something involving sacrifice by us in a brave attempt to enhance or better your life. Something for which we would ask no thanks, but go forth proud in the knowledge that we had suffered on behalf of our fellow man.

Something involving us drinking beer.

Here’s what we came up with: two beers, three (or more) tasters, single blind (we know what two are in front of us but not which is which) head to head (tip of the hat to AleLagerLambic) tasting done less “to style” and more to “I like this one better”. Grading done on the five traditional tasting criteria (appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, drinkablility) with the winner having the glorious distinction of being declared better than the other one. To us.

Right! First up: English Barleywines.

Rock Art Brewery Ridge Runner Vs. Duck-Rabbit Barleywine

Appearance

Both beers poured a nice deep copper color with a slight off white head.

Med: Wow. They look pretty much identical.

Gil: No look, this one (Rock Art) has a few more bubbles!

Fade: How come I got mine last?

Winner: Rock Art

Aroma

Fade: When you say “barleywine” this one (Duck-Rabbit) smells the way I expect it to. Sweet and a little malty.

Gil: Yeah, and this one (Rock Art) is completely different, and not in a good way. Too much alcohol.

Med: Too much alcohol and really yeasty. Like bread crust yeasty.

Winner: Duck-Rabbit

Taste

Med: Not even close. This one (Duck -Rabbit) is sweet, develops nicely, and lingers at the finish.

Fade: See, this one (Duck-Rabbit) is like a big firework. It builds, explodes with flavor, then slowly fades. This one (Rock Art) is more like a sparkler. And not even like a sparkler that we had as kids, more like the lame-ass sparklers they have now. You light it, it spews forth a couple of sparks for a few seconds, then goes out.

Gil: Hey, we should have Heathen Olympics.

Winner: Duck-Rabbit

Mouthfeel

Gil: This one’s (Duck -Rabbit) great. Medium body and just enough carbonation.

Fade: This one (Rock Art) feels like water.

Med: That’s it exactly. Water. With bubbles. Not even good bubbles. Big ole’ soda bubbles.

Winner: Duck -Rabbit

Overall Winner: Duck-Rabbit

It really wasn’t even close. Once we got past the fact that the Rock Art squeaked out a win in appearance this was utter domination. The Duck-Rabbit officially becomes the first ever “Beer that we thought was better than that other one”.

Of special note, when it came down to guessing which was which, Gilgemesh nailed it based purely on the labels. What can I say, he’s got talent.

Have a couple of brews you’d like us to compare in the name of Public Service? Shoot me an email.