Rediscovering Old Brews: A Journey with High Water Brewing’s Barley Wine

While cleaning out my storage, I stumbled upon a hidden gem—a bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing that dates back 10 to 15 years. It’s interesting to note that High Water Brewing might no longer exist, which made me even more curious about this vintage brew. As I unsealed the bottle, I couldn’t help but wonder about its drinkability. Would it be a delightful discovery, or would it leave me grimacing?

The Taste Test: A Surprising Encounter

Upon tasting the barley wine, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was still enjoyable. The aroma had developed a musty quality over the years, which is to be expected from an aged beer, but to my delight, the core flavors remained intact. The carbonation had lessened a bit, but it was still noticeable, making for a decent mouthfeel.

As someone who doesn’t typically indulge in barley wines, I can’t expertly assess it against the style’s standards. However, it certainly exceeded my expectations—it didn’t taste like the dreaded “wet cardboard” that one might anticipate from an aged beer. Instead, the flavor profile was intriguing, with roasty notes and subtle hints of chocolate, alongside a pronounced alcohol presence thanks to its 11% ABV.

Conclusion: A Toast to Aging Brews

In the end, my adventurous spirit paid off. This barley wine turned out to be remarkably drinkable, defying the odds of its old age. It’s a reminder that sometimes, looking back can lead to delightful discoveries. To everyone who chimed in with advice, thank you! Cheers to the surprises that lie within our forgotten treasures!