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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

British and North American Styles

The Changing Definition of Style

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. Barley wines 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.

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

95 Obsessed Barley Wine, Fort Collins Brewery (CO). 9.6% ABV (2/13)

Mahogany brown color. Rich aromas of cacao nibs, praline and fruit compote with a chewy, fruity full-body and a long cornucopia of fruits, nuts, grainy pasty and peppery hops. A spectacular and super balanced barley wine; try with chocolate desserts.

94 Broad Shoulders Barleywine, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL). 8.3% ABV (4/11)

Deep copper color. Rich toffee and honeyed date toast aromas with a supple, chewy dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and an orange marmalade, nut and grapefruit finish. Delicious and balanced.

94 2012 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale, Stone Brewing Co. (CA). 12% ABV (3/13)

Deep copper color. Aromas of grapefruit buttercream, dried peach, blossoms and toffee with a crisp, chewy, fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a long, buttery fruit cake, grapefruit zest, brown sugar and pine finish. A serious, well hopped and age worthy barley wine that will improve with time.

92 XVII Anniversary Barley Wine, Uinta Brewing Co. (UT). 10.4% ABV (4/11)

Deep reddish copper color with a fine taupe head. Rich aromas of baked citrus, caramelized nuts, fig toast and tomato chutney with a round, zesty fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and grilled root vegetable and citrus finish with frisee-like hops. Very tasty.

91 Old Crustacean Barley Wine, Rogue Ales (OR). 11.5% ABV (4/11)

Deep hazy copper color with a light tan head. Aromas of chocolate-drizzled raisin scone, grilled grapefruit, praline and pine cone with a chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a zesty, braised root vegetable, cracked pepper and dandelion greens finish.

91 Noggin Floggin Organic Barleywine, Hopworks Urban Brewery (OR). 11% ABV (3/12)

Bright orange marmalade on herb bread aromas with a crisp, chewy fruity medium-full body and a long, warming mint, peppery jelly and piney hop-accented finish.

89 Bridge Burner Special Reserve Ale, Lakefront Brewery (WI). 8% ABV (3/12)

Deep brown color. Aromas of pickled okra, leek, chocolate and turnip with a crisp, dryish medium body and a sweet toffee and spicy hop finish.

89 Samuel Adams Griffin’s Bow Barley Wine, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 10% ABV (3/13)

Rich vanilla cream, candied ginger, yuzu gelato and piney herbs notes aromas with a supple, chewy, dry-yet-fruity full body and a cherry bonbon, medicinal herb and bark, Asian tea, pine sap and cedar finish. A bold, in-your-face barley wine that demands attention. Will be better with age.

88 Schell’s Stag #7 Barleywine Style Ale, August Schell Brewing Co. (MN). 9.5% ABV (3/13)

Aromas and flavors of toast, caramel and molasses with a supple, chewy fruity medium-full body and a tangy, soy, rye, pepper and earthy nut finish.

87 Singleton Barleywine Style Ale, Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (NC). 8.86% ABV (3/12)

Deep amber color. Roast grain and gilled citrus and peach aromas with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a chewy, roasted root vegetable and pepper hop finish. A nice lighter-styled barley wine choice for the table; try with pork.

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