Barleywine Suggestions

At the right store Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Barleywine can be had for $10/4 pack. No more than $12-13. Quite a steal compared to these bombers you're laughing at.

To the original poster, you have to ask yourself if you like hops or malts. That's going to determine which style of barleywine you are interested in (English or American). Truthfully, I am not sure their is much "easing" into the style if you are going to drink a beer true to the style. Maybe try an IIPA or Strong Ale/Olde Ale first before working up to it. Otherwise if you have the beer, make sure you pour it into a snifter or goblet glass, and serve near 50 degrees. And whatever you do, don't drink it fast. It's a sipper, and should take at least a half hour (if not an hour) to finish.

 

No problem, happy hunting.

 

Barleywines can be a pretty broad style. English and American Barleywines are two completely different styles. I love the former, and find the latter very hit or miss. JW Lees has broad distribution and is a fantastic example of an English Barleywine. Id start there, and if you dont like it, odds are EBWs arent going to be your thing. I will leave the ABW suggestions to others as I feel I am biased against them.

 

So years back I had a barleywine or two and just hated them. Something wasn't sitting right with me.

Now flash-forward to today and I know that I absolutely love the Bourbon County Barleywine. I've had two of them and have enjoyed everything about them.

Knowing that, I was curious if I should revisit this style that I previously hated and, if so, where do I begin? What are a few excellent barleywines that aren't impossible to find but still delicious?

 

Sierra Nevada BigFoot is a pretty available and tasty barleywine. If you can get a hold of it I would also recommend you trying to get a hold of a bottle of Firestone Walker Sucaba.

 

Bell's Third coast ale.

 

You may discover you prefer "English Style" barley wines, and not "American Style". Bigfoot is a great staple example of an American Style, hoppy and less sweet (though still sweet). Myself, I prefer the English style, sweet, toasty, with great toffee notes, and while balanced, the bitterness takes a back seat, as opposed to being more prominent. Though I enjoy both styles. Both styles age well, and some prefer the aged versions, and not the fresh versions of both too, so I've found. Of course, Bourbon County Barley wine is also barrel aged, which adds even more layers of complexity and flavor to a barley wine.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/152/

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/19/

 

Do you remember the first barleywine you had? Bourbon county is the english barleywine variety which is more malt forward and sweet. American barleywines like the bigfoot recommended are more hop forward and have a bitterness mixed with the sweet (which i love). Just pointing it out because you might be partial to english barleywines.

 

Sucaba is definitely worth seeking out. I wouldn't say it's easy to find in a store, but it's not impossible, either. If you need to trade for it, it shouldn't be terribly difficult, either.

Mother of all Storms is one you should also trade for, which shouldn't be too hard to do.

As far as an easy one to buy that's pretty delicious is Weyerbacher Insanity.

Maybe try Behemoth since you are in IL?

Sounds like Revolution's Straight Jacket is another one you should seek out (will also require trading for since it's not available any more).

 

I believe 21st Amendment's Lower De Boom should be relatively easy to find. I know it doesn't get the highest ratings on here, but I enjoy it as much as Bigfoot. Plus the 4-pack of small cans is pretty cool. I've seen a wide range of prices, but I can generally find the 4-packs for $8.99.

 

I also didn't care for barleywines at some point in my drinking career. Just like you, I revisited the style, and am now officially a fan.

Central Waters from Wisconsin makes a BBA barleywine that is fairly easy to get. Its very similar to the BCBBW that you enjoyed. I was able to get it in Iowa a few weeks back - should be available in Illinois. I know Binny's carries Central Waters stuff.

Keep your eyes out for FFF Behemouth. I found one just sitting in a grocery store in Madison a couple weekends ago.

I will also second bigfoot. Very nice and doesn't break the bank. A nice beer to age if you're into that sort of thing.

 

Weyerbacher Insanity and Blithering Idiot are well liked.

 

Lots of folks are pretty much saying the same thing. I think I'm in the same boat as the OP; I am mostly a fan of English style barleywines; they are sweeter and much less hoppy. First (and only) time I had Bigfoot I practically choked.

First explore the English barleywines, such as the ones mentioned. Absolutely try Midnight Sun Arctic Devil; it's one of the best beers I've ever had.

 

If you like Bourbon County, then you may want to seek out English Barleywines (not American) and Old Ales. Some goods ones have been mentioned above already (Weyerbacher Insanity is one of my personal favorites - for price, availability, and serious deliciousness). I would also add North Coast Old Stock Ale to the list. It's an Old Ale (not an English BW), but there's not much difference between the two styles in my book. It's filled with caramel, toffee, malty goodness!

 

2nd on the Bigfoot and Lower the Boom.

Also: Foghorn.

 

What were the two that you hated years back?

There's a considerable difference between American and English style BW's. It might be the case that you just happen to prefer English style.

 

Missed this post. I'm thinking along the same lines.

 

Revolution Straight Jacket is so good.

 

sebago makes a barrel aged barley wine that the people are really liking right now.

 

Uinta Cockeyed Cooper. Bourbon barrel aged just like Bourbon County Barleywine. Sucaba for sure to echo others. And as someone else said, Insanity and Blithering Idiot are way under-appreciated.