Barleywine Appreciation Thread (2023)

One of the few perks...

 

Haven't contributed here for too long! Had many pages to catch up on. Working on polishing off the last of my Gratitude from the '22 release so I cab start working on this year's version. Going with the Rye BA

The Scotch BA version was definitely the most interesting, but the Rye might actually be the best of the bunch.

 

SUPER envious. Enjoy!

 

Back and forth on what to drink, I have way to many big hitters right now. Almost went with a sour or an Altbier; instead I said f it and grabbed one I've wanted to open since it arrived.

Revolution Brewing: Ryeway to Heaven. Filled Dec. 2021 at a cheeky 15%. Brewed with over 60% rye and aged in bourbon and rye barrels.

L: Rich brown with red edges. Tan head that disappears quickly.
S: Familiar rich syrup and brown sugar notes. Patience brings notes of just dried paints on canvas. Wood desks soaked with decades of lunch time whiskey sins.
T: It lies to you with a big grin, easy drinking 10% it chuckles. Sweetness that has its expected cloying stopped dead by muted rye notes. The anticipated rye bite acts as a controller instead of a ruler on the pallet.
F: Carbonation is muted but still very present. Washes easily down seaking the pretzels awaiting it in the stomach.
O: It offers up the rye notes that rye lovers want, but in a way that is not so strong as to single it out for only such an audience. I really like how it impacts the sweetness and keeps it in check. This will rate highly on my beer list.

 

Any idea how far east in PA they distribute? Not sure if I'll get to the Pittsburgh area this year but may make it to the middle of the state.

 

I had the same thought about seeing the Phillies out there, but will probably content myself with going to the Alumni Game in August.

Never been to Hunger N Thirst for some reason.

When July rolls around I'll holler. Thanks!

 

Had forgotten this thread existed, thanks to @Beersnake1 for reminding me. Doing a side-by-side of 2021 and 2022 Straight Jacket tonight for #barleywinesunday. I enjoyed 2021 fresh about a year ago, and haven't had the 2022 until tonight. Served at just under room temp.

The 2021 was a 4.5 for me previously, and it's stayed there, possibly even improved a bit. Nice dark fruit on the nose, molasses, hint of leather, fairly restrained barrel. The bourbon barrel comes through nicely on the palate to cut through the sweeter notes, along with those dark fruits, and some vanilla. Smooth with no harsh edges. This hits the mark perfectly for the price point, even having to make a bit of an effort to get it here in CA - I think I got both cans via Tavour.

The 2022 is a completely different beast, and while I think I would enjoy it more without directly comparing it to the 2021, it leans far sweeter and hotter. On the nose, it's a blast of bourbon and brown sugar. Taste-wise it's very much that straight caramel, molasses, and bourbon heat. It seemed a bit too carbonated directly out of the can, but swirling seems to have calmed that down. I don't know if a year or so would help smooth out the rough edges, but it's just harsher in every respect without the depth of flavor that 2021 has. Still a good barleywine, but I'll take 2021 over it any time. I'll give it a 4.25 overall.

 

As a Californian myself who's been subjected to the endless stream of mid IPAs for far too long i suggest considering hitting the trade forums over Tavour for Rev stuff if ya havent already.

 

Sadly no, I have not. Every year I say I need to head out there for a Pirates/Phillies game, and every year it seems the schedule fills up before I know what happened.

 

I think I agree. I remember liking the 2021 better than the 2022. I bought two 4-packs of the 2021 off the Beer Temple website and wasn't able to hold onto them for more than a couple months

 

I'm sure your grandfather would have appreciated your conservation of gasoline.

 

Glad to hear you liked it Dan. I enjoyed my last bottle Sunday afternoon. My notes from Sunday: "Getting notes of figs and brown sugar. Barrels lend some cherry/dark berry notes. Brandy barrel tries to balance the sweetness and it does within the limits of the EBW style." Overall i found this to be a dangerously drinkable EBW that did not overwhelm me yet was very flavorful - my favorite to date from Olde Hickory.
My local in Asheville had quite a few four-packs last month. Definitely need to pick up another if it is still around!
Cheers!
Tom