King Henry's Whale Status ?

Have you had Arctic Devil? In my opinion, Arctic Devil is what MoaS wants to be. I'd love to try KH side by side with the other two, actually.

 

You won't be disappointed regardless if you're a barleywine fan or not. It's fantastic, one of the best beers I've ever had. My dad and I will be sharing one for my birthday next weekend (2nd KH for me, 1st for him). Can't wait...

 

I found 2 Ivan the Terrible on shelves in Iowa. Just saying.

 

I had KH yesterday, and was actually a little bit disappointed. It was good, but didn't blow me away. I think Abacus on a good day beats it (the problem with Abacus being that it seems to be much worse out of a bottle than it is on tap).

 

Probably because that isn't a whale.

 

3800 bottles is fairly low. It's rating is a 95. There was no 2011 bottling. I really am only bothered by the Iowa statement. We definitely are not Chicago, or wherever, but, we do get decent beer out here. Heck, even Bourbon County Rare hit the shelves here.

 

After a little self introspection, I realized; I'm mostly pissed off I that I live in Iowa.

 

It was a large gap of time between when I had a Perfect Storm and a KH, but the KH held its own very nicely. More syrupy and heavier alcohol, although both of those things can also be seen as a positive for the style if done right.

You're in for a treat, it really is awesome. I have two more bottles and doubt they'll last long.

 

I'm a Boilermaker. Of course I hate Iowa!

My post was a slight jab at GI since I read posts of people getting multiple KH off the shelf while you could only buy it at a bar in Indiana.

 

Have we heard anything about GI possibly releasing it again or is it a one-off? I've heard people say it will and won't be released again. Any solid evidence?

 

Technically it is listed as Retired on GI's website. Of course they use the term "Currently Retired" which makes it sound like a non-permanent state.

KH came from PVW23 barrels that were used for BCBS Rare first. So in order to get KH again you'd need to get your hands on PVW23 barrels, make BCBS Rare, then make KH. Seems unlikely.

Though a few have suggested - there are quite a few English kings out there. It could be the only KH, but probably not the last barrel aged barley wine GI produces.

 

GI said point blank that bourbon county rare won't be made again. by extension, king henry (barleywine aged in BCBS rare housing pappy 23yr barrels) can't be made again.

that said, i commented and still think that the "we'll never make this again," nonsense was just crass marketing bullshit (pre-A-B buyout, incidentally). see above, or the other thread where people talk about this if it's not this one.