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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- Does anyone else feel guilty drinking beer alone because it’s supposed to be a social experience?
- I’m new to drinking beer and I need some suggestions.
- Cleaning house and found a 10-15 year old bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing, which I think no longer exists. What are the chances it’s drinkable, as in not holding my nose drinkable?
- I’m new to drinking beer and I need some suggestions.
- Tried Dragon’s Milk and loved it, any other dark/milk stout recommendations?
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Rediscovering Hidden Treasures: A Journey with Vintage Barley Wine
During a recent spring cleaning session, I stumbled upon a forgotten gem: a bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing, dating back 10 to 15 years. While I had my doubts about its drinkability, I couldn’t resist the allure of this aged brew, especially considering that High Water Brewing may no longer be in operation.
Curious about its condition and taste, I decided to give it a try. I approached the tasting with cautious optimism, wondering if it would be a delightful experience or something better left buried in the back of the pantry.
A Surprising Taste Test
Much to my surprise, the barley wine was not a disappointment. The initial aroma presented a somewhat musty scent, reminiscent of its age. However, the flavors were surprisingly intact, and I was relieved to find that it was still quite enjoyable. While the carbonation had diminished slightly, there was enough fizz to keep the drinking experience lively.
As someone who isn’t an avid barley wine enthusiast, I can’t definitively assess its adherence to traditional style. However, I can say that it didn’t possess the dreaded taste of “wet cardboard,” which can often signify a poorly aged beverage. Instead, it offered a delightful medley of flavors: a roasty profile with subtle hints of chocolate, and the unmistakable warmth of an 11% ABV.
A Toast to Unexpected Discoveries
In the end, this journey into my past revealed that not all old bottles deserve a one-way trip to the rubbish bin. It was a wonderfully drinkable experience, proving that sometimes, treasures lie in unexpected places. So next time you uncover an old bottle from your collection, consider giving it a second chance—you never know what delightful surprises await!
Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to take the leap and taste this vintage barley wine. If you have any similar stories of rediscovered beverages, I’d love to hear about them!