Barley wine

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Barley wine or Barleywine is a style of strong ale originating in England in the nineteenth century (derived from a style known as old ale) but now brewed worldwide. It typically reaches an alcohol strength of 8 to 12% by volume and is brewed from specific gravities as high as 1.120. It is called a barleywine because it can be as strong as wine; but since it is made from grain rather than fruit it is in fact a beer. In the United States barleywines are required for this reason to be called "barley wine-style ales." This is taken by some to imply that they are not truly barleywines; in fact it only means that they, like any barleywines, are not truly wines.

Their natural sweetness is usually balanced with a degree of hoppy bitterness. In some examples, the malt sweetness is also balanced by the bitter flavor of the alcohol.

This beer is meant for slow sipping and savoring of its estery, fruity, and well-aged character. It is brewed most often to celebrate events. Because of the high hop rate and alcohol content, some barley wines are aged for years.

Most barley wines range in color from ambers to deep reddish-browns.

Barley Wine Statistics: