Barleywine Appreciation Thread (2025)

Bottle is in the fridge but this is a 2023 River North BA Father Time. I really like River North things and this is no exception. “Colorado whiskey” barrel booze is hot up front with a load of tannins right behind. It’s a bit astringent actually, which isn’t necessarily bad but it comes across less complex than other RN drinks I tried. It might need more aeration being a hefty 16+% ABV.

 

Thanks Tim! Life is good here, hope all is well in California.

 

2012 Double Bastard
Tastes 10 times better without @snaotheus and his notebook here

 

@Resistance88 just curious, you at the Liberty Station location? That's the one I hit last year.

 

Pasadena
The train that's a half mile from my house leaves me a at the door

 

Looks better without you sitting behind it

 

Back to back posts from me in the barleywine thread!?!?@?
A gift from Snoothy (@snaotheus )when we met up in Downtown a week or so ago and spent a day together
Junkyard Brewing-l - Basement Business

 

Something is very wrong in the Matrix if i got 3 posts in a row here

 

Tree House brewing: Tree of Life - Port

Their usual bba barleywine but aged in port barrels. This is really good. Huge raisin notes and almost a hint of cinnamon in there. Big and sticky but not overly sweet (it’s sweet). I might have to get a second bottle to sit on for some time… This already tastes like a high quality BW that’s been cellaring for 5+ years, so I’m curious what actually aging it will do

 

Did you try the Thai banana Barleywine? It was good but bananas are better in stouts. Looking forward to the Port bottle for sure.

 

Banana barleywine is a bridge too far for me. Cheers to those who enjoy it though.

 

I did not. It's still available, but I tend to stay away from adjuncts in barleywines other than a few exceptions. Also, the price tag on a speculative buy is not great

 

Just picked one up at Deerfield a week ago, glad to hear your favorable take!

Dan, I had to pass on the Thai banana as @VodkaPong87 did as i could not wrap my mind around it in a barleywine. If this was in a stout base then would have given it a try.

 

You'll love it. Going to grab another next week. fingers crossed some other goodies get released before then.

Did you happen to get that 'Tree of Perception' bomber that was there for a few months? It was bourbon barrel aged and then Amburana aged. I wanted it, but the price tag and size was not for me. Sounded so good, though.

 

I did not. The Amburana can be overpowering for me. I also passed on a Free Will Amburana Ralphius while we were in Pennsylvania (i love the Ralphy base version).
However, i did pick up Tree of Fire as i do appreciate smoked beers. Curious to see if the BA aging works with the smoked brew.
Cheers!
Tom

 

These are always a treat (and they should be at like $1,000 per ounce). First time having the quad-oaked. Cheers!!

 

Are you a BA Billionaire? Or just a millionaire?
I have had a few chances with Anchorage brews but have always talked myself out of it because of the price point. I guess life needs to become shorter for me? Glad you enjoyed @Luscious_Malfoy !