Barleywine Suggestions

Firestone Walker Sucaba is amazing.

Since you are from New England you might be able to find Pretty Things Our Finest Regards. Cambridge Brewing Company makes great barleywines and often have them on tap and they do a Barleywine fest every year.

 

Solstice D'Hivre.

 

Bass No. 1.

 

I think a lot of my favs have been mentioned already.

I'll put a vote in for Hair of The Dog - Doggie Claws. See if you can drive over to NY to get some

 

big +1 to Anchor Old Foghorn

 

$10-12 a bomber is a steal for Sucaba!

 

I was just getting ready to ask where he got them for that price...

To the OP, as others have said, Bigfoot would be a nice starting place. It is fairly cheap so get some to sit aside so you can see over time how the brew changes with age.

 

Bigfoot was my first Barley Wine years back and I didn't like the hop forward taste at all. Not being as knowledgeable as I am now, I swore off Barely Wines completely. Like a previous poster said, American Barley Wines are very hoppy and English are more malty. Try both styles before you form an opinion. Cheers!

 

Seeing as how you dig IPA's, I'd try a Hog Heaven:

^That's the only time I've poured a beer without opening the bottle. Impressed?

 

The olde school ..........its figtastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Sisyphus and Chicken Killer are both solid

 

Great Divide Old Ruffian
Southern Tier BackBurner

For good measure, I would toss in North Coast Old Stock Ale and Founders Curmudgeon Old Ale as malt forward alternatives (yes I know, Old Ales are not Barleywines, but what the hell).

 

I'm pretty fond of Old Ruffian. And Bigfoot. And Old Guardian. And J.W. Lee. And. And. And. So many.

 

Would LOVE to find more of this as well.

 

It should be noted that many of these are seasonal. Bigfoot and Old Foghorn come out in January (I believe).

 

I would start with something that is not too expensive, such as Bigfoot or Old Foghorn, to see if you like the style. If you do, try as many different barleywines as possible, both English and American style.

 

Awesome list, unfortunately the Old Horizontal isn't so easy to get right now if not impossible. When I heard it was going to be scarce I stuck what I had left in my cellar to enjoy at a later date. I think tank space is currently an issue for Victory which is a good problem to have but sucks for all of us barley lovers. If anyone has any updates to share, please chime in!

 

Hope the OP is a serious beer trader!

 

Funny how palates differ, I think monster with about a year on it, is simply sublime

 

old ruffian is prob my fav that is easy to get, at least around here

i say this as someone who greatly prefers the american style. i have yet to find an english style barleywine i enjoy.