Trouble with Barleywine

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by biercycle, Apr 26, 2013.

Tags:
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
Page 2 of 2
  1. biercycle

    biercycle Initiate (0) Apr 8, 2012 Pennsylvania

    Thank you all. There are some good points in here that give me some things to think about with regard to barleywine. I am sitting on an Old Ruffian so I may crack that bad boy soon. I also plan to pick up a Sucaba on my way home from work. Maybe things will get sorted out after that.

    It isnt that I have disliked the barleywines I have had (well, Old Guardian was disappointing). I just havent been able to see the categorical resemblance among barleywines that is more readily available in stouts, IPAs, saisons, sours, etc.

    I understand what you are saying and agree that there is a wide range of variability in any style of beer. However, I feel that 9 times out of 10 when you drink a beer with a specific categorical label you will find noticeable similarities with other beers in that category. Sort of the whole point of delineating categories in the first place. All I am saying is that there doesnt seem to be much of a unifying categorical theme to barleywines other than high abv.
     
    #21 biercycle, Apr 26, 2013
  2. nc41

    nc41 Initiate (0) Sep 25, 2008 North Carolina
    Trader

    A simple Bigfoot would work, more to the hoppy side, Sucuba is also a great one. I've had BW's I didn't like but these two works for most people.
     
    #22 nc41, Apr 26, 2013
  3. starkmarvelo

    starkmarvelo Initiate (0) Jan 20, 2010 Texas

    Old Foghorn
     
    #23 starkmarvelo, Apr 26, 2013
  4. Blueribbon666

    Blueribbon666 Pooh-Bah (1,669) Jul 4, 2008 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah

    I've had all but the DFH & I love barley wines. I prefer the English style to the American which tend to be too hoppy, I prefer a balance or malty to hoppy. The Mad River is a hands down 5 for me & the Old Foghorn & Blithering Idiot are fantastic as well. Just like any style keep hunting til you find something that fits your palate like a glove.
     
    #24 Blueribbon666, Apr 26, 2013
  5. Thirstygoat

    Thirstygoat Initiate (0) Nov 22, 2012 Illinois
    Trader

    I seem to recall hearing somewhere that if you chill barleywine in your fridge to 31 degrees F it converts into " a malty" DIPA.
    Does that work for English style or just American style?
     
    #25 Thirstygoat, Apr 26, 2013
  6. spicoli00

    spicoli00 Pooh-Bah (2,305) Jul 6, 2005 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    You should have access to Victory's Old Horizontal which is pretty good IMO. But, if you can get the Oak Horizontal, that shit is like liquid candy, and i pull the trigger on that whenever i see it.
     
    #26 spicoli00, Apr 26, 2013
  7. fox227

    fox227 Initiate (0) Nov 19, 2010 California

    I'm surprised no one brought this up, but aren't English Barleywines pretty much the same as English Old Ales?
     
    #27 fox227, Apr 26, 2013
    Bitterbill likes this.
  8. Longstaff

    Longstaff Initiate (0) May 23, 2002 Massachusetts

    >Some hit you with sour/tartness while others are sweet. Some have spices like nutmeg or coriander.

    I wouldn't consider them a barleywine if they were spiced or well made if they were sour.

    Sounds like you need more experience. Some things are acquired tastes.
     
    #28 Longstaff, Apr 26, 2013
  9. biercycle

    biercycle Initiate (0) Apr 8, 2012 Pennsylvania

    When I say sour I dont mean it like a real sour beer (e.g. Supplication). It is possible to get tart elements in a non sour style beer. I was just going back through my notes for all the barleywines in my beer journal and picking up the various flavor elements I had observed. It is all completely subjective after all.


    I do like Victory and will have to keep an eye out for that one. Thanks!
     
    #29 biercycle, Apr 27, 2013
  10. Bitterbill

    Bitterbill Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,036) Sep 14, 2002 Wyoming
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    They share the same "boat" as Porters and Stouts.:grinning:
     
    #30 Bitterbill, Apr 27, 2013
    fox227 likes this.
  11. LordCrabapple

    LordCrabapple Initiate (0) Sep 5, 2006 England

    Any strong beer approaching wine strength can be considered a barley wine. It is not a particular 'style' with distinct characteristics.
     
    #31 LordCrabapple, Apr 27, 2013
  12. fujindemon74

    fujindemon74 Pooh-Bah (1,797) Nov 7, 2012 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Cereal Killer is english style, whereas Bolt Cutter & Olde School are american style.
     
    #32 fujindemon74, Apr 27, 2013
  13. water1112

    water1112 Initiate (0) Nov 2, 2011 New York

    southern tier back burner is a good one
     
    #33 water1112, Apr 27, 2013
  14. travMI13

    travMI13 Initiate (0) Jan 7, 2012 Michigan

    Kuhnhenn BBBW

    /thread
     
    #34 travMI13, Apr 27, 2013
    Knifestyles likes this.
  15. BlackDragon

    BlackDragon Initiate (0) Feb 16, 2013 Michigan

    Is cycling while drunk a DUI:stuck_out_tongue:
     
    #35 BlackDragon, Apr 27, 2013
  16. Bitterbill

    Bitterbill Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,036) Sep 14, 2002 Wyoming
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Monster Ale with some age on it is a really great drinking experience.
     
    #36 Bitterbill, Apr 27, 2013
Page 2 of 2
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.