Poll: Barrel-Aged Barleywine vs. Imperial Stout

Out of those 2, Stouts for sure. They just tend to be too sweet less often.

But really, the best barrel aged style is Lambic. Without a doubt.

I'd rather have a regular imperial stout over a BA one 9 times out of 10

 

Hard to choose.. both are great in their own right. I will say that I've really REALLY enjoyed beers that have had a blend of both BA Imp Stout and Barleywine.

 

I'd have to go with the Impy Stout only because I don't recall having any barrel-aged Barleywines.

 

I voted other.

I prefer non-barrel-aged imperial stouts. Standard Old Raspy or SN Narwhal is all I need, save the whiskey for my glencairn.

 

Other, because almost every spirit barrel aged beer nowadays is too heavy handed. Mixed fermentation beers in neutral barrels are the best barrel aged beers, but wine-barrel aged mixed ferm beers where the barrel has barely any character left are good, too.

 

I agree that barleywine in general seems to pull the barrel traits more readily. Stouts seem to need fresher wet barrels and/or a distinctive bold barrel to impart the goods. BA barleywines that I’ve consumed aren’t generally adjuncted either, keeping the barrel traits prominent. BA stouts often get creative with adjuncts, which can and do muddy, or completely bury, barrel traits. My $0.02. I’ll continue to consume both, for science.

 

I'd say a rum barrel aged Quad would probably be amazing.

Potter's used to do (maybe still does and I don't see it anymore), apple brandy barrel aged cider that was great.

Unfortunately, most sherry, and port barrels go to Scotland to age whiskey, and it makes sense, but I think that they would definitely be great for barleywines. European brandy (cognac and Armagnac, along with other countries versions) barrels tend to be reused for the spirit until they can't be repaired. I'm sure there are some California brandy barrels out there for brewers to use, but who wants an Eark and Jerk barrel beer?

 

I’d choose a BBA Imperial Stout over BW, yet right now I’m drinking one of my favorite BBA BW’s - Revolution’s VSOJ (2024):



In short, I don’t think you can go wrong either way. Cheers!

 

In all honesty, I'm totally over both of them. I don't dislike them or anything like that, but I feel like they've both shifted into hazy IPA territory where they kinda all taste the same. Breweries big and small have figured out (or read about) the tricks and techniques to do it well. There are also more and more spirits barrels from rando distilleries popping up everywhere, too. As a result, both styles have headed into commodity territory.

I've seen a bit of a shift away from tossing every strong beer (with or without flavorings) into a barrel. At least in CO and NM I've seen more plain 'ol barleywines and big stouts being sold entirely as-is this year. Some of them even dared to make them less sweet, too.

 

Barleywine > Stout
For me.
Either style non-barrel aged is just fine too

 

I voted BA Impy Stout because I don't think I've ever had a BA Barleywine. Then, if I ever find one, I'd have a concern if it's an English-style or American-style Barleywine before buying it. I typically don't like the American version, so that's reason enough for me to stay away from buying one if it's not labeled as English.

 

The volume of stouts that exists far exceeds that of BWs. The average quality of a stout ends up usually being greater, but if we are talking the best of the best from both categories, I am usually more satisfied with the best BW. But, that is because they are far and few between.

If they were children, I’d have to say they are equals.

 

Enjoy both but stouts aged in spirit barrels tend to be more recognizable in that facet for me. I’ve had some cellared, non-barreled barleywines in which the oxidative qualities lent themselves to having characteristics of a barrel aged barleywine. Most times, a good, naked barleywine is enough.

 

Barleywines over Stouts, all day, every day, 3 times on the weekends. Barleywines are superior to Stouts, and are less often subjected to add-junks.

 

I love a good BA English Barleywine. Barrel aging generally doesn’t do a ton for me with American Barleywines.

I chose stouts in the poll though, because I think there are more, goods easily available BA stouts. Plus the personal dichotomy of English vs American BWs. But there are BA English Barleywines that are truly divine nectars of the gods (looking at you Mother of All Storms).

 

I'm kind of surprised to see the results in the poll are currently Neck and neck, since I thought stout would run away as the clear leader. I like both, but the viscosity of stouts simply provide a better overall experience IMO. I actually can't think of a single BA Barleywine off the top of my head that's knocked my socks off in even as close to the same way as a stout. Maybe something by Central Waters or Goose Island? I'll check my old reviews though and will drop an update back here if my memory gets jogged

 

The fact that Barleywine isn't as thick, sticky, gooey as stout is a point in its favor. Knocking back several Barleywines is no chore, but, often, finishing a single stout is work. Add in all the Add-junks most modern American stouts have, and Barleywine is more pleasant and enjoyable to quaff.

 

I agree with other posters that most spirit barrel aged beers are way too heavy handed in the spirit department. The spirit barrel aged beers tend to taste a lot more like the spirit than beer, but I am a beer guy, so I have a strong preference for beer tasting beer.

it’s also interesting how historically, brewers went a long way to keep any barrel character out of their beer. Now the opposite is true and brewers try to get as much barrel character as possible in their beers.

 

You ever have a BBA stout?


Tryina finish a circle of wolves, jw lees, B1-8000 or analbasis is like drinking simple syrup.
It's true for most BBA Imperial Stouts as well a la Deths Tar, BBT(), Private Press stuff .


The stand out is anything Firestone Walker and Central Waters does.
God Tier and it's swills all day with them