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Rediscovering a Hidden Gem: Tasting an Old Bottle of Barley Wine

While tidying up my home, I stumbled upon a bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing, a label that appears to have faded from existence over the years—this particular bottle having been stored away for around a decade or more. Naturally, I found myself contemplating the question: Is it still drinkable, or should I brace myself for a less-than-pleasant experience?

The Taste Test

With a sense of adventure, I decided to crack open the aging bottle and see for myself. To my surprise, the experience was far from regrettable. Although the aroma carried a slightly musty scent reminiscent of old books, the flavor profile still exhibited a surprising level of preservation.

First Impressions

One of the most encouraging signs was its carbonation, which, despite having diminished slightly over the years, still provided a reasonable fizz. As a casual barley wine consumer, I can’t definitively say how well this particular brew aligns with the style, but I can confidently declare that it didn’t resemble the dreaded “wet cardboard” taste that often accompanies aged beers.

Flavor Notes

In terms of taste, I found the beer to deliver a pleasantly roasty profile, complemented by subtle hints of chocolate and the distinct warmth of alcohol—boasting an ABV of 11%. The overall experience can be described as surprisingly enjoyable; I would even go as far as to say it’s genuinely drinkable.

Conclusion

In retrospect, this discovery serves as a reminder that sometimes, hidden treasures await us in the most unexpected places. While not all aged beverages will turn out this way, my experience with this old barley wine was a delightful surprise. Cheers to adventures in forgotten bottles!