An Unexpected Discovery: Reviving a Decade-Old Bottle of Barley Wine

While tidying up my home recently, I stumbled upon a treasure: a 10 to 15-year-old bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing, a brand I believe has become defunct over the years. It got me pondering—what are the odds that this vintage find is still enjoyable? Could it actually be drinkable without prompting a grimace?

The Verdict: Not Too Shabby!

After much anticipation, I decided to crack open the bottle and give it a try. To my surprise, the experience was quite pleasing! While the aroma had a faint mustiness—likely a result of its extended storage—the flavor profile held its own.

The carbonation was surprisingly decent, although it seemed to have diminished slightly over the years. As someone who typically doesn’t indulge in barley wine, I’m not in a position to judge its adherence to the classic style; however, I can confidently say it didn’t taste at all like the dreaded “wet cardboard” that many fear with aged beers.

Instead, the beer presented a pleasantly roasted flavor with subtle hints of chocolate, complemented by a noticeable warmth from its 11% alcohol by volume. Most importantly, I found it to be genuinely enjoyable—not just tolerable, but actually drinkable.

I appreciate everyone who chimed in with advice on my initial inquiry. It turns out that sometimes, a hidden bottle of history can still deliver a delightful experience. So, if you come across a forgotten brew buried deep in your pantry, don’t hesitate to explore its potential! Cheers!