Where to start with Barley Wine.

Hmmm...Lagunitas Olde GnarlyWine should be dropping soon.

Not a big fan of the style ( think they all taste medicinal ) but I'm assuming that one should be available in your area.

 

Bcbbw is about as good as it gets for cheaper, easier to get bottles.

 

Go buy a few. All mentioned here are great. Age them 3 years then let us know what you thought of them

 

By less sweet, are you looking for something more bitter or just dryer? Plenty have suggested hoppy examples in this thread, but if you're looking for something dryer, I've always found North Coast's Old Stock to be pretty dry.

 

Not in this part of the world.

 

Trade some tired hands bottles. You'll be fine.

 

4+ hours away. Not every PA resident lives in Philly.

 

I've had several English and American variety now, and Bigfoot (American variety) I've tried fresh and also with a year of age on it. Both times I thought it was bitter in a medicinal/asperin sort of way and not pleasant and I love hoppy IPAs. One of the harsher Barleywine's I've had of the bunch, so I personally wouldn't recommend that one as your first try.

 

You should find out if one of the local breweries makes one and thy that. I guess that would include Bigfoot at this point.

 

I like the approach to see what is available to you locally and try a bunch of them. English versions are not always on the sweet side, and American ones are not always hoppy. Choose your favorite based on your own experience.
American = http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/19/
English = http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/152/

 

Obligatory link to BA's Top Rated American Barleywines

FWIW, if you have ever had a beer labeled as "Triple IPA" there is a lot of overlap with the American Barleywine. Personally, I think a triple IPA just marketing-talk for what is an American Barleywine, or at best an unofficial sub-category of American Barleywine. People who like to over-categorize their beer will likely argue about that though.

EDIT: @Mothergoose03 just beat me to the link!

 

Honestly man...just keep drinkin some barleywines...you'll figure it out quick enough, believe me.

 

I've only had Bigfoot thus far, and it's insanely good. I'm going to pick up another four pack here soon. I'll be diving into barleywines a lot more this winter.

 

Excellent choice!

Cheers!

 

Awesome fuckn' brew's.

Cheers!

 

I think the first BW I had was the one from the Alaskan Pilot series. I still have one or two in my cellar. Kickass brew. I don't recall it being too sweet.

 

Victory Old Horizontal, is a very tasty brew, indeed.

Cheers!

 

Uinta Barleywine is a nice one to start with as well.

Cheers!

 

Thank you. I've messed with those beers for years and love them no matter what! My son and I will drink several over the Winter, and they are all memorable, like photographs.

 

I tell people that if GOD drinks a Barley Wine it's Deschutes Mirror Mirror. If you can find a bottle it's worth the money.