Your favorite Barleywine?

BCBBW is the best I've had, but I'm not sure if it's my favorite, in that I've only had it once, and I've had FLying Dog's Horndog, Weyerbacher's Blithering Idiot & Insanity, and DuClaw's Devil's Milk & Hell on Wood, more often. I pretty much haven't had a barley wine that I haven't liked. It's one of my favorite styles of beer.

The other night I had an Evil Twin Fruedian Slip and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was spectacular, with tons of dried stone fruit, toffee, malt and some assertive but balanced hope. If you haven't had one, and you like American-Barleywines, seek it out!

 

Deal With The Devil is up there. Mikkeller did a series of French Oak aged Barleywines that I really loved. As well as the Mikkeller Big Worster. But I'm a malty barleywine fan. I can't stand Bigfoot or anything that is a boozy, hoppy, malty mess (to me...). I lean English every time I buy a barleywine except for Deal With The Devil.

 

Sucaba

 

This is my #1 American Barleywine and this is my favorite English style, based on my ratings here.

Firestone Walker's Sucaba and Double Double-Barrel Ale were not far behind.

 

I'd say any of the J.W. Lees Vintage Harvest Ales are among my favorite barleywines. I also remember liking Hoppin' Frog Barrel Aged Naked Evil, Weyerbacher Insanity, Three Floyds Blonde Behemoth and Stone Old Guardian regular and their Oak Smoked versions.

 

I have never had Aaron (although I am sure it is excellent), but with that exception I think this is just perfect.

 

Probably passé to say King Henry, right? lol

Hand & Seal was awesome.
Love Arctic Devil. Love Central Waters.
Almanac's Heirloom Pumpkin was gorgeous.
Third Coast Ale is nuts - and I'm not even talking about a barrel-aged version.
Barrel Aged Old Ruffian met all expectations.

And there are more...

Favorite? Too tough to call...

 

2 of my absolute favorites that haven't been mentioned much or at all:

Copper Kettle - Well Bred
FiftyFifty - Old Conundrum on Wood

....both so bready and delicious. Also have to admit that I really like how Old Guardian Extra Hoppy is drinking right now - had it twice in the past month or so and really enjoyed each session.

 

Favorite non-BA'd probably Uinta Anniversary. Recently had a Speedway Old Numbskull that gives it a run for it's money.

 

Just another boring vote for Lagunitas Olde Gnarlywine.

 

Thanks for this thought, as I realized how great the 7 year spread was I didn't take into account that it may not hold up.

 

King Henry
Sucaba
Old Backus

 

JW Lees Harvest Ale
Victory Old Horizontal
Would say Thomas Hardey if still around

 

Damn, brain dart - Alesmith, not Speedway. ......

 

Even Bigfoot aged 1 year didn't work for me at all (too bitter and medicinal tasting). Bell's Third Coast Old Ale and North Coast's Old Stock I both really enjoyed however.

For English style, Deschutes Mirror Mirror and Flying Dog's Horn Dog I found wonderful. I need to try more English style as I prefer the sweet leaning ones more than the bitter hopped ones more predominate in the American style.

 

1. Deal With the Devil
2. Sucaba
3. Copious amounts of Big Foot

 

Alpine Great #1, Cognac Church on the Hill #2, Kuhnhenn BBBW and ADwtD tied for #3

 

Oh gosh too many to list:
Central Waters
BCBBW
Mother of All Storms
Gratitude
(I see many list Sucaba - I was actually not a fan of it.)

 

I'm not a huge Barleywine fan but Aaron was crazy good

 

Sisyphus. Only one I've had. If any are better than this, I couldn't stand it! Hard to compare with only one. Gotta find more. Drink up Ladies and Gents.