Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

Stouts and Porters

Twins of the Beer World

Barley Wine

Barley wine is the evocative name coined by British brewers to describe an extremely potent ale that can range from golden copper to dark brown in color. They are characterized by extravagant caramel malt flavors and bittering hops that prevent the malt sweetness from cloying. Rich and viscous, they can have in their most complex manifestations winey flavor profiles, with a hint of sweetness. Some examples are vintage dated and can improve with extended bottle age. These powerful brews are classically sold in small “nip” bottles and can be consumed after dinner or with dessert. The style has become popular among U.S. craft brewers who often produce them as winter specialties.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

94 Old Bawdy Barley Wine, 2007 Bottling, Pike Brewing Co. (WA). 10% ABV (1/10)
Rich copper color. Rich aromas of melted chocolate toffee, dried fruit chutney and blackstrap molasses follow thorough on a smooth, satiny entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-full body with roasted nut, herb salt and tangy grilled citrus notes. Finishes with a tart, chewy malt and pine citrusy hop fade. Well done.

91 Monster Ale Barleywine, The Brooklyn Brewery (NY). 10.1% ABV (1/10)
Deep amber color. Rich aromas of toasted bread and mild toffee follow through on a round, chewy entry to a dryish, medium-full body with a deft touch of citrusy hops on the long, generous finish. Seamless and beautifully integrated flavors make this a total pleasure to drink.

90 Mirror Mirror Barleywine, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 11% ABV (1/10)
Rich copper color with a fine blanket of bone-white foam. Rich aromas of brown sugar, chocolate-covered figs, and caramelized nuts and grains follow through on a supple, velvety entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with delicious layers of flavor. Finishes with a long, generous and peppery, tangy citrusy hop-accented fade. Very big and tasty.

89 XVI Anniversary Barley Wine, Uinta Brewing Co. (UT). 10.4% ABV (1/10)
Deep copper brown color with a fine blanket of mousse. Bright, citrusy and piney hop and praline aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with bitter baker’s chocolate and lemon marmalade on spicy dark rye toast notes. Finishes with a tart, tangy and drying citrusy hops driven finish. A nice choice for hopheads.

86 Old Bawdy Barley Wine, 2008 Bottling, Pike Brewing Co. (WA). 10% ABV (1/10)
Deep slightly hazy copper color. Mild aromas of dark bread crust, dried fruits and brown sugar follow thorough on a round entry to dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with cocoa and lemon pepper notes. Finishes with an astringent piney hop fade. Could use a little more malt balance.

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