BIG Berhta Barley Wine
Kuhnhenn Brewing Company

Pours very dark, black walnut brown. It is cloudy and black in the glass with no head. Slight carbonation forms a fog, while momentary thin film produces no legs. No lacing.

The aroma grabs one's attention from a distance. Rich dark fruits are intense as they waft up from a Swiftwater snifter. Raisins and dates take the lead, followed by black licorice and sweet malt. Warmth adds mild charred malt and molasses.

The flavor follows the nose, opening with sweet, charred bitterness. The raisins are pronounced, with dates shortly behind and licorice that slowly builds, ultimately singing loudly in the long finish. Warmth brings a progression of earthy sweet fruit, a touch of molasses, prunes, and peat.

It has a full body and a soft, smooth and plush texture. Only a hint of carbonation survives. Alcohol is as expected, although without heat as it nibbles at the back of the throat.

This is another excellent choice for a cold, wet, autumn afternoon. The only thing missing tonight is a fire crackling by my side. Sit back and enjoy a good book while sipping and allowing the character to develop.

 

Pours a clear dark brown, almost black color, black and opaque in the glass; nice head, tan and fairly thick and lasting. Dark roasted and charred grain aroma with a slightly boozy infusion on the nose; a bit of raisin and caramel. The taste presents dried fruit sweetness such as prunes and figs with elements of cocoa and a mild boozy undertone; sweet chewing tobacco. Heavy body with a fine velvet-like stickiness coating the palate; some bright alcohol warmth cuts through the residual sugars.

This beer is quite drinkable and flavorful, balanced with some fantastic complexity.

Pouring temperature: 49 °F; bottling info: 2022
Source: @micada (BA Barleywine / Stout BIF #1)

2023 version. First Kuhnhenn’s ever! Poured cool to a small snifter. Color is ruddy red. No discernible head, with scant carbonated appearance. Aroma is musty stone fruit, old like it was on a 1700s warship. Flavor brings out a very intense stone fruit front, primarily prune, but pulls out notes of cherry. It reminds me of DFH raisin d’extra in its flavor and mouthfeel, the latter of which is medium heavy with enough carbonation to keep it from being still. No alcohol burn, but a bit of warming. I had no expectations, but this is a solid drink, well suited for October consumption.

 

2022 bottling

I checked, it's been 7 hours and 13 years since I had anything from Kuhnenn. Glad to get reacquainted by way of this interesting beast. Lots of caramel and fruit and both are intense. The caramel is sweet and straight up candy-like. The first descriptor that comes to mind for the fruity side of this is prunes, along with raisin and charred pear. I don't recall ever getting a strong prune note before but it works here. I'm also finding molasses and a nice vinous note. The ABV isn't listed, but I'm feeling like it's pretty elevated. Carbonation is basically non-existent, but I don't miss it. This is good stuff.

Dark purple when poured out of bottle. Smell is sweet and fruity. Taste is very sweet, flavorful, and slightly bitter. Feel is very smooth. Overall, this is a good take on a barleywine. Would recommend for those that like this type of brew.

Opened at fridge temp. Pours with almost no carbonation. Almost black in color. The nose is really smooth. Smells like a really old barleywine. Raisins, toffee, licorice, tobacco, prunes, and some molasses.

The taste is interesting. Very intense. Again, there is literally no carbonation. Tons of licorice, port, prunes, raisins, and some toffee. Heavy brown sugar comes through. I can't help wonder if a bit of carbonation would be beneficial here. This one might be a good candidate for aging. It's a tad sweet. No idea what the ABV is, but it's definitely well above 10%

Mouthfeel is thick and powerful. Aftertaste is dark fruit and some burnt toffee. Overall, a really fun experience. A note to those who try this: let the beer warm up past 50 degrees. Very good as it warms.