Rediscovering Vintage Barley Wine: A Journey Back in Time

While cleaning out my storage space recently, I stumbled across a forgotten treasure: a bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing, a label that seems to no longer be in operation. This bottle has been tucked away for about 10 to 15 years, and I couldn’t help but wonder—what are the odds that it’s still worthy of a sip, and not just an experience of grimacing and holding my nose?

Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to give it a try. To my pleasant surprise, the results were rather promising.

First Impressions:

Upon opening the bottle, I noticed a somewhat musty aroma that suggests its prolonged slumber. However, I was relieved to discover that the flavor profile was still quite intact. While I’m no expert on barley wines, the absence of that dreaded ‘wet cardboard’ taste was a definite plus!

A Tasting Experience:

The carbonation still held up reasonably well, albeit a bit diminished after all these years. The flavors emerged with a roasty quality accompanied by subtle hints of chocolate, complemented by a noticeable alcohol warmth—after all, this brew boasts an impressive ABV of 11%.

In the end, my experience was far from regrettable; it was, in fact, quite enjoyable! While I may not regularly indulge in barley wines, this rediscovered brew served as a delightful reminder of what makes this style unique.

Thank you to everyone who chimed in with their suggestions and insights on aging beers. Here’s to unexpected finds and the joys of exploration in the world of craft beverages!