Discovering Vintage Barley Wine: A Journey Worth Sharing

Recently, while doing some much-needed spring cleaning, I stumbled upon a forgotten treasure—a bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing, dating back 10 to 15 years. I was admittedly intrigued but also a bit wary. Given the age and uncertainty surrounding the brewery’s current status, I couldn’t help but wonder: is there any chance this gem is still drinkable? Or would I be bracing myself for an unpleasant experience?

Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to take the plunge. To my surprise, the first sip was a delightful revelation. While the aroma carried a hint of mustiness, the flavor profile was surprisingly intact. The carbonation still held its own, albeit slightly diminished, allowing for a satisfying drinking experience.

As someone who doesn’t often indulge in barley wines, I can’t provide a technical analysis of how it aligns with traditional characteristics. However, I can confidently say it certainly didn’t resemble that dreaded ‘wet cardboard’ flavor that often accompanies old beer. Instead, I detected a pleasant roasty essence, with subtle notes of chocolate, perfectly complemented by the warmth of the alcohol—boasting an impressive ABV of 11%.

In the end, it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to revisit this long-forgotten brew. It just goes to show, sometimes good things come to those who dig deep enough in their cabinets. Cheers to unexpected discoveries!