Your cart is currently empty!
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.
Latest Posts
- Does anyone else feel guilty drinking beer alone because it’s supposed to be a social experience?
- I’m new to drinking beer and I need some suggestions.
- Cleaning house and found a 10-15 year old bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing, which I think no longer exists. What are the chances it’s drinkable, as in not holding my nose drinkable?
- I’m new to drinking beer and I need some suggestions.
- Tried Dragon’s Milk and loved it, any other dark/milk stout recommendations?
Categories
Tags
Social Links
Discovering a Hidden Gem: A Taste Test of Vintage Barley Wine
As I was tidying up my home recently, I stumbled upon a bottle of barley wine that dates back 10 to 15 years. This particular brew, produced by High Water Brewing—a brand that may no longer be in operation—piqued my curiosity. Naturally, I began to wonder about its drinkability. Would it still hold up, or would I face the dreaded experience of sipping something less than palatable?
After going through the initial deliberation, I decided to open the bottle and embark on a mini taste test. The results were surprisingly favorable. While the aroma had a slightly musty quality, the flavor profile remained surprisingly intact. There was still a decent level of carbonation, albeit with a hint of thinness that comes with age.
Although I’m not typically a barley wine connoisseur, I found this vintage offering to be quite enjoyable. Instead of the unpleasant taste of wet cardboard that some aged beers can present, this brew delivered a subtle roastiness complemented by a touch of chocolate. The alcohol presence was noticeable, boasting an impressive ABV of 11%.
In the end, I was delighted to discover that this long-forgotten bottle was indeed drinkable, reflecting an unexpected charm that made it worth the find. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on this venture; your insights were much appreciated! If you ever come across an old bottle in your own collection, don’t hesitate to pop it open—you might just uncover a hidden gem.