For those that know of Barley Wine, you may be asking, why mention it in late spring?
For others the question is no doubt, “What’s Barley Wine? Is that a wine made from barley? Gross.”
Rest assured Barley Wine is not grape-less wine, and I will make the case that it can be enjoyed outside of the dead of winter.
What Is Barley Wine?
Barley Wine (or Barleywine) is a strong top fermenting ale with alcohol levels similar to wine, that is aged extensively in barrels. Barley Wine originally was dark but now can be found in amber, copper, and pale versions.
Barley Wine History
Barley Wine became popular in the 18th century amongst the aristocracy of England.
England, being too cold and gray to grow grapes, wanted a highly crafted, complex, age-able beverage with wine-like strength.
Barley Wine was the answer.
Most prominent households brewed the best version that they could to impress their guests.
Most breweries could not afford to take the time and barrel space it requires to brew Barley Wine so it was left to private households until Britain’s Bass Co. and Burton on Trent.
Bass Co. made Barley Wine popular abroad when it began to brew their “Number 1” in 1854.
The bottle bore the Red Diamond symbol, the second world-wide patent symbol after the Bass Red Triangle that adorned their famous Pale ale.
Bass Company’s Barley Wine would serve as the benchmark until 1995 when it was discontinued. A few years later in 2000, Bass was gobbled up by Anheuser Busch In Bev and the magic was gone.
Barley Wine made it’s way to America in the 1975 when the owner/ brewer/ pioneer of Anchor Steam, Fred Maytag, brewed “Foghorn.”
Maytag would pair his Foghorn beer with his famous Maytag blue cheese from his farm.
Yes this is the same Maytag of “Maytag Blue” and the Maytag washer-dryer family.
In 1983 Sierra Nevada did what it does best and made a more fruity, piney, bitter version using American Chinook, Centennial, and Cascade hops.
Qualities Of Barley Wine
- Strong (8-14% Alcohol By Volume)
- Bittersweet
- Malty
- Complex
- Warm Spices
- Toffee Notes
- Best Enjoyed Slightly Warm
- A Sipping Adult Beverage
- Usually Brewed Once A Year
- Barrel Aged (Port, Sherry, Bourbon)
What Is The Difference Between British And American Barley Wine?
The primary difference between British and American Barley Wine is that the European Noble hops used are less bitter and robust when compared to the piney, fruity, resinous hops of the American North West. The English style is more malt driven.
English Style Barley Wines To Try
- J.W. Lees And Co. “Harvest Ale” (Port, Autumn, Sherry) (UK)
- Fuller’s Brewery “Golden Pride” (UK)
- Thomas Hardy’s Ale (UK)
- Firestone Walker Brewing “Sucaba” (USA)
- Deschutes Brewery “Mirror Mirror” (USA)
American Style Barley Wines To Try
-
Firestone Walker Brewing “Helldorado” (USA)
- Alesmith Brewing “Old Numbskull” (USA)
- Sierra Nevada Brewery (USA) “Bigfoot”
- Great Divide Brewing “Old Ruffian” (USA)
What Foods Pair With Barley Wine?
Foods that are rich, salty, and sweet pair well with Barley Wine. From gamey meats to decadent dessert, the carbonation and malt sweetness achieve what no wine can.
Foods To Try With Barley Wine
- Lamb
- Venison
- Wild Boar
- Mushrooms
- Foie Gras
- Classic Cheddar
- Stilton Blue Cheese (Especially Colston Basset)
- Cypress Grove “Midnight Moon” Goat Cheese
- Crème Brulee
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Dulce De Leche Anything
The wide range of foods that pair wonderfully with Barley Wine is why I posit that it can, and should be enjoyed year round.
Great bottles are best served between cool and warm, and sipped with friends.
There are many opportunities for decadent dessert throughout the year so by placing Barley Wine in the corner until dead winter is just wrong.
This summer I highly encourage J.W. Lees Harvest Ale poured over, or served with some quality vanilla ice cream..
Or try a Sierra Nevada “Bigfoot” with a lamb shawarma sandwich and watch the malt backbone of the Barley Wine match the caramelized elements of the meat, while the carbonation cuts the fat, and fruity bitterness lifts the palate.
Happy exploring the world of Barley Wine!
When you find the one’s you like, make sure to tuck some away for years to come. They just get better and better..
Cheers!
