Accessible Barleywines

Tough to beat Old Foghorn.

 

If you want less hops, take a look at English Barleywines here:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/152/

 

Try also a triple IPA. Kinda similar profiles in flavor...at least that's what I think.

 

Kinda hard to beat Bigfoot when it comes to accessable barleywines. Try it with a few years of age on it, turns to a beauty of a beast with huge caramel qualities.

 

This is the right answer. More fruity, less hops, and crazy delicious. The beers below are available either in Nevada or in a state bordering Nevada, and are also among some of the best out there:
Firestone Walker §ucaba
Deschutes Mirror Mirror
Pelican Mother of All Storms
Midnight Sun Arctic Devil

Also, try some Old Ales. Similar in many respects to English barleywines. It's hard not to like Hair of the Dog Adam or North Coast Old Stock, and these are both easily accessible.

 

The Rogue Old Crustacean XS is around now in big black resealable 750's. I think it's maltier than the Bigfoot, which is excellent in my opinion, but still has a bit of a hop bite. Most American craft beer tends to be at least somewhat hoppy, so like Bowser said, look to English ales if you want a more pure malt character.

 

Also try Stone Old Guardian (out now) and Lagunitas Olde Gnarleywine. Both a little higher in abv, but on par with Bigfoot.

 

Uinta Anniversary Barleywine. Similar to bigfoot, slightly better malt bill in my opinion but still fairly hoppy.

 

Bell's Third Coast Old Ale is one of my favorites, supposed to be good with a few months on it as well, I'm cellaring one right now to find out if that's true.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/287/1891/

 

Having just enjoyed a Bell's Saturn, I whole-heartedly endorse it!

 

This is exactly the beer that came to mind when the OP asked for "accessible barleywines". It is better than Bigfoot IMO. I haven't had the Barrel aged Bigfoot nor the cockeyed cooper but the entry level barleywine from Uinta is excellent. $9.99 for a 4 pack.

 

Bell's Third Coast is great with a few YEARS on it. I've got some 2012 in the fridge right now that's absolutely delicious.

 

Weyerbacher Insanity

 

Old Guardian after a year is a perfect gateway. I also consider Double Bastard a barleywine, if a bit of a hoppy one. Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball rides the line too, but that one's not hoppy and is amazingly smooth. And cheap.

 

Yeah, I don't know if I have the discipline to wait years. Maybe a year, but I'd have to pick up some in the meantime to distract me.

 

The barrel aged version of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot is pretty accessible (much more than batch 1) you should be able to find that guy to, super tasty as well

 

This x1000

 

Another vote for third coast