American barley wine ranges from amber to deep red/copper-garnet in color. A caramel and/or toffee aroma and flavor are often part of the malt character along with high residual malty sweetness. Complexity of alcohols is evident. Fruity-ester character is often high. As with many American versions of a style, this barley wine ale is typically more hop-forward and bitter than its U.K. counterpart. Low levels of age-induced oxidation can harmonize with other flavors and enhance the overall experience. Sometimes sold as vintage releases.
American Barley Wine
Category: Strong Ales
Food Pairings
- Beef Cheek
- Strong Blue Cheeses
- Rich Desserts
Commercial Examples
- Bigfoot, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- Old Numbskull, AleSmith Brewing Co.
- Toad Choker Barley Wine, Nine Band Brewing Co.
Appearance
Color
Amber to Deep Red or Copper-Garnet
Clarity
Clear to Brilliant
Carbonation (Visual)
Slow to Medium Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Noticeable to Hot
Hop
Hop aroma and flavor are medium to very high. Hop bitterness is high. American-type hops are often used, but not necessary for this style
Malt
Caramel, Toffee, Bready, Sweet
Esters
Fruity-ester flavors are often high
Phenols
Not common to style
Fermentation By-Products
Very low levels of diacetyl may be acceptable
Sensations
Body
Mouth-Coating to Sticky
Carbonation
Low to Medium
Finish Length
Medium to Long
Attenuation
Medium
Ingredients
Hops
Magnum, Chinook, Centennial, Amarillo
Malt
Pale, Crystal, Pale Chocolate, Special "B"
Water
Varies
Yeast
Ale
