Rediscovering Old Brews: A Journey with Vintage Barley Wine

As I was tidying up around the house, I stumbled upon a hidden gem—a bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing that dates back 10 to 15 years. My curiosity piqued, I couldn’t help but wonder about the drinkability of such an aged brew. Given that High Water Brewing is no longer in operation, I was curious whether this bottle had stood the test of time or if it was destined for the discard pile.

After some contemplation, I opened the bottle to find out if it was still worthy of savoring. To my surprise, the experience was quite pleasant! While the aroma had a slightly musty note that hinted at its age, the flavor profile remained surprisingly robust. The carbonation, although slightly diminished, still provided a delightful zing.

As someone who doesn’t frequently indulge in barley wine, I wasn’t sure how well this particular brew aligned with traditional styles. However, it certainly didn’t have the off-putting taste of wet cardboard that one might expect from a decade-old beer. Instead, I detected a charming roasty note accompanied by a subtle hint of chocolate, with the alcohol content making its presence known at 11% ABV.

Overall, I found this vintage barley wine to be rather enjoyable—definitely drinkable, and perhaps even a testament to the craft of brewing. It’s moments like these that remind us of the treasures that can be discovered in our own homes. Cheers to unexpected finds!