American Barley Wine

For me, colder weather brings the necessity of barley wine, possibly my personal favorite beer style. A rich and malty "sipping" beer, typically above 8 % ABV, that warms you to the core. It's like a "comfort-food" beer, ready to lift your spirits with an all-forgiving ale embrace.

American style barley wine's are a separate category from its mother version in England because of its high alcohol and aggressive use of hops. More hops? More alcohol? Yep...It's the American way.

I've pictured my most recent BW above - Old Foghorn, by Anchor Steam Brewing of San Fran. Old Foghorn is considered the granddaddy of the "American" Barley Wines, first brewed in 1975. A sweet taste, apricot and citrusy. Mild enough to enjoy with several types of food, strong enough to slow you to a halt after two.

For barley wines in general, I've found that there is fairly wide range of flavors across this style type. My personal favorites are Avery's Hog Heaven, Stone's Old Guardian and Hair of the Dog Fred. The luscious malt flavor is pretty consistent, but otherwise, surprises abound.