Mini Barley Wine Tasting 9/27/13

Recently a fellow beer lover stopped by and I thought I treat both of us to a mini Barely Wine tasting. I’ve been aging a few in my beer/wine cellar and chose three for us to taste.

Brooklyn Brewery Monster Ale 2000 10.8%
This particular barley wine aged beautifully. It had mellowed out some but was still full bodied.
The Monster poured nicely and was a nice dark ruby color. It had a hint of sweetness to it similar to cherries and a lovely taste of caramel as well. The flavor lasted well after drinking it.

XS Old Crustacean Rogue Ales 1998 11.5%

Old Crusty has always been one of my favorite barely wines and although this was still very good I fear it may have aged a bit too long. This particular bottle had a stronger bitter after taste than before. Granted this particular barely wine has always had a bit of a bitter after taste but it was more prevalent from aging.  Over all it still tasted delightful with hints of raisin and brown sugar. The hops are prevalent as well. Still one of my favorite Barely Wines to par take in.

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale Sierra Nevada Brewing  9.6%

I did not see a date on the bottle but I know this was at least 13 years old. The bitterness is not as strong in this barely wine. There was a full head on this ale that lasts throughout the drinking period.  One can smell the hops right off the bat.  This is a full body ale with toasted malts and a bit of bitterness and a mixture of toffee with hints of fruit.