Barleywine style tasting March 4th

Including Old Ales Is genius!

 

I have a 2013 Smuttynose barleywine that I was going to have at some point next month. Perfect!

 

After poking around at the local beer store earlier in the week and seeing only one beer in the barleywine/old ale categories (North Coast's Old Stock Ale) plus one other that was a blend that included a barleywine (Clown Shoes' Hammer of the Beast), I think I have an idea of what I'm going to try if my work schedule for the end of the month gives me time for it.

And if not... well, I'll still have a big bottle of something that sounds really good to drink (or split with someone) at some point in the future. I figure either of those two will probably stay good pretty much indefinitely (well okay, maybe not if they got lost tucked behind something for decades or something... but pretty much indefinitely assuming nothing weird like that happens, anyway), so my fridge already being pretty full of other beer wouldn't be much of a concern. XD

 

I'm in. I have quite a few in the basement to choose from. Maybe I'll start with oldwyn from fort collins brewing, follow that up with vermillion, b bomb, or lawyers guns and money. I would try hog heaven, but it's no longer a barleywine.

 

I'm so glad you tossed that info out there! It's the first time I've seen a barely wine rebranded as an IPA. I know people have been comparing Hog Heaven to IPAs throughout its life though. It's funny, because me and you were recently touching upon the IPA/barley wine topic in the cellaring forum not too long ago.

I think a fresh Hog Heaven would be an awesome candidate for this thread. Of course, if it ever was a barley wine, then it still is a barley wine if the recipe is the same. If people think it's an IPA, then it's always been an IPA too. It would be great if someone drank one for the thread and gave their own reactions regarding which category they think fits best (if not both).

 

Last night I had a fresh Bigfoot and I'd say it's difficult to label many American barleywines as barleywines (Stone Old Guardian and others come to mind as well). Fresh Bigfoot is delicious, but the hoppiness really makes the beer lack the complexity and maltiness that I love in barleywines. Maybe Imperial India Amber Ale (or something else) is a more appropriate term than barleywine. With a few years for the hops to fade, however, Bigfoot and most hoppy American barleywines definitely have that wonderful barleywine complexity. I also had a 2 year old Bigfoot last night and the difference is so significant that in a blind tasting I wouldn't know it was the same beer. This tasting will be very interesting, as we'll probably have quite a variety.

 

That may be why I sub in lawyers guns and money, it is in the same vein as hog heaven. It is a distinct american barleywine that has a hop profile like a big double ipa.

 

Likely in...have a Pelican MOAS that's calling my name.

 

I have a 2016 3Floyds Behemoth from @Prager62 I've been sitting on. Seems like a good excuse to drink it!

 

Sorta fell out with the tasting idea thread after the Doppelbock, dang it. Glad the barleywine style got picked. Still wished for later in the year, but I'll take it. I got my first four pack of Old Ruffian. I still haven't had any. I actually just placed a bottle in my fridge. I'll save my first sip for this thread.

There was a barleywine four pack I put back the other day. Perhaps I'll pick it up. I also have Kansas's top Barleywine - and my first barleywine ever - cellared for a year. I could do one of those, or perhaps a back-to-back year vertical. I have a few local barleywines that I've been saving for some sort of occasion. Point being, I may come fully loaded for this tasting. Can't wait!

 

Enjoyed a bottle of the '14 vintage on Friday. Wow. I can only think of one other beer that shocked me that much when I tried it (Bourbon County stout '15). I can't wait to read your notes!

 

16 BA Sexual Chocolate. Loving this very complexed beer. Bourbon, oak, vanilla, caramel and a nice chocolate finish

 

It's a toss-up between 2 year old Big Foot, Double or Nothing fresh from the 9.99 a 4 pack bargain bin or an Old Numbskull that has been in the back row for several years.

 

You need to drink a fresh one for comparison!

 

Can you explain to me what the difference between an Olde Ale and Barleywine is? Reason I am asking is I had 2014 Curmudgeon yesterday at a brewfest and absolutely loved it. A local distributor has Hell on Wood and I'm debating getting it. If they would be similar, I'd probably even buy a case.

 

You are great at giving advice!