American Barley Wine

In this style, hops often will mellow from an assertive, front-and-center position in recently brewed bottles to providing more balancing bitterness in aged bottles for the copious malts indigenous to the style. Colors range from amber to deep copper and even light brown, with malt influence often evoking a toffee or caramel sweetness—but no roasty or burnt flavors. Regardless of age, balance generally leans toward hoppy bitterness, with high alcohol providing a warming effect and moderate fruity esters contributing to the beer’s complexity. Read More