Old Ale/Barleywine

A "old ale" is usually from the first or second runnings from a Parti-Gyle type of brewing. Old Ale itself is just that, ale that has been aged till it is older than the fresh ale one would drink prior to aging in oak barrels. Old Ale in the traditional since did not have to have huge ABV's but just enough (greater than 5-6%) and a bit higher on the IBU's so the beer would not spoil. Barleywines is a High ABV first running that is ment to be enjoyed fresh or aged, the IBU's are up to the brewer as the the High ABV takes care of the spoiling issues. Old Ale has been a concept in brewing since brewing was invented so as to have a beer that was able to be held for some time unitl being consumed during the colder months while the second and third runnings were consumed during warmer months and one could still go work the fields without being smashed. Barleywine was coined by Bass around 1870 and has since become a predominant style. Barleywines in general can be aged but not all of them are produced just for aging. Duck-Rabbit makes an amazing Barleywine that is intended to be consumed fresh.

Barleywines were born from the concept of old ales but now have taken on a complete style of there own.

 

Try to get either Kuhnhenn BA 4th Dementia or the regular 4th Dementia.

 

Bell's Third Coast Old Ale and North Coast Old Stock Ale come to mind and should be available near you. North Coast Old Stock Cellar Reserve is also very good, although a bit pricy.

 

Theakston Old Peculier, from jolly old England. I haven't seen this in Bloomington for about 5 years, but I remember that I loved this beer when I first had it. Easily the first old ale I ever consumed, I had just turned 21 got it a few times and then never saw it again. I would like to try it again and see if it is as good as I remember. It's a low abv (5.6%)old ale, I believe it is about as "traditional" as the style gets.
http://www.theakstons.co.uk/ales/classics/oldpeculier.html

 

Since he is from Michigan, it might not be all that hard to find an IP trade for those.

And yes, both of those beers are fantastic.

 

Or if he feels up to a day trip, both beers are still available in bottles according to the menu on their website...

 

Agree with these and would add there BBBW (bourbon barrel barley wine). Also weyerbacher insanity is delicious.