Under the Radar Regional Barleywines

Not necessarily my region, but I just had Hedgerow from Burlington Beer Co. last weekend, and it was phenomenal.

 

Agreed on the Hedgerow! I really like Thomas Hooker's Old Marley. Just had Sebagos barleywine from the can (sold in 2 pk sleeves), I really dig that right now! As far as I know all of them should be available maybe with some net dragging. Maybe you can hit the trade forums...

Forgot to mention Otter Creek colab with Lawsons, that beer was awesome!

Good luck!

 

Didn't even see that you were from the 603, most everything I mentioned should be pretty easy to find. Still great beers!

 

Yes, yes it was.

 

I've got 2 left, not really sure what I'm saving them for but they're there...

 

Old Backus from Free State Brewing in Lawrence, KS. Has been around on tap, believe started showing up in bottles last year. If not available now, should be anytime.

 

My friend has an annual Barleywine tasting for his birthday every year, at the end of February. I like to bring BWs that we can't get around here, so keep these suggestions coming so I know what to trade for!!!

 

Black Hog's Barley Wine ... Only available at the brewery on tap or growler fills ... I wish they would bottle it.

 

Unless it has "bourbon" in the description, I think most barleywines are a little under-appreciated.

But to answer the question, I've always enjoyed Rock Art Vermonster and it's made year-round for great price. It's one of the few beers I like to let age some too...1-2 years is it's sweet spot. I always pick up a bottle two when I'm in VT so that I have a rotating stock at home.

 

It's one of the highest rated beers in the state of Kansas, so not under appreciated, but I haven't seen any posts here about it. Freestate's Old Backus. Admittingly, it was my first barleywine, but I haven't tried a single barleywine that beats it. Just a solid barleywine all around.

It was the first beer I decided to cellar. I can't wait to crack the last two open at the end of this year!

 

Arcadia's Cereal Killer, which is an English-style version. I think it is well appreciated by those who drink it, but it's a small batch and just not widely available.

 

Southern Tier's oak aged and regular Back Burner are inexpensive, widely available, and very tasty.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to say I miss Flying Mouflan and I really hope it gets bottled in 12 oz bottles soon.

 

Mad River John Barleycorn is good. Last years release was brewed in 2014 and they aged it in the bottle for a year before releasing it. They also age it in bourbon barrels and port barrels which are also both really good.

 

American River Rock Hound. So delicious, and only $5 a bomber at Bel-Air. Only available in the spring though... but that's right around the corner!

 

Summit Old Blaggard, Fitger's Ol' Redbeard, and Central Waters Y2K are all wonderful in my neighborhood.

 

Weyerbacher Insanity, Upland Barrel Chested Barleywine, Jackie O's Brick Kiln. These just sit on the shelf. Awesome Stuff!

 

While not really "regional" I definitely feel that J.W. Lees Harvest ale (and variants) definitely don't get the press they deserve. If these were made by a hip American brewery folks would go ape shit for them. Not saying they don't have a fair amount of good reviews or anything, just that folks never seem to talk about them

Otherwise, I've become a fan of the barleywine from Free State

 

Mystic Brewery outside of Boston has Entropy and De Cacao, some good barleywines.

 

I think Straight Jacket from Revolution here in Chicago does not get the adoration it deserves. It's fantasitic. It's available now and seems to sit on the shelves most of the year.