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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.
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Title: Rediscovering Forgotten Brews: A Journey with High Water Brewing’s Barley Wine
While tidying up my home recently, I stumbled upon a relic from the past: a bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing, dating back 10 to 15 years. It’s interesting to note that High Water Brewing may no longer be in operation, which only adds to the intrigue of this find. The lingering question on my mind was, “Is this aging beauty still fit for enjoyment, or is it destined for the back of the fridge?”
Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to crack open the bottle. To my pleasant surprise, the experience was far from what I anticipated! While the aroma offered a slightly musty edge, the flavors remained surprisingly intact. There was a light carbonation still present, albeit a bit subdued after all those years.
As someone who’s not typically a connoisseur of barley wines, I can’t provide a detailed comparison to the classic style, but I found nothing off-putting about the taste—it certainly didn’t resemble that dreaded “wet cardboard” sensation some aged beers can evoke. Instead, the flavor profile revealed a delightful roastiness with subtle chocolate notes, paired with a noticeable alcohol warmth, courtesy of its 11% ABV.
Overall, this vintage barley wine turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable and utterly drinkable. It’s remarkable how some forgotten treasures can still hold their charm after years of aging. Cheers to rediscovering the past! A big thank you to everyone who encouraged me on this little adventure into the world of aged brews.