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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.
Latest Posts
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- I’m one of the worlds leading buyers of craft gin in the world and a international spirit judge AMA
- I’m blown away…. By how let down I am by this Gin.
- The Botanist 22 Gin Review: Perhaps the most overhyped gin around
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Unearthing a Vintage: Rediscovering a 10-15 Year Old Bottle of Barley Wine
While cleaning out some forgotten corners of my home, I stumbled upon a hidden gem—a bottle of barley wine from High Water Brewing that dates back 10 to 15 years. Considering that this brewery may no longer be in operation, I was left pondering the drinkability of this aged brew. Was it worth a taste, or was I in for an unpleasant experience?
After considering various opinions and weighing the risks, I decided to open the bottle. To my surprise, the outcome was quite favorable! Although the aroma had a slightly musty quality, the flavor held its ground remarkably well. I discovered a pleasant intensity that I wasn’t expecting, along with a respectable level of carbonation, albeit a bit diminished with age.
As someone who doesn’t regularly indulge in barley wines, I can’t provide a technical analysis of its adherence to the style. However, I can gladly report that it did not have that unpleasant “wet cardboard” taste that often accompanies beers past their prime. Instead, the flavor profile revealed notes of roasted malt, a hint of chocolate, and a distinct alcohol warmth, with an ABV of 11%. Overall, it was surprisingly enjoyable—definitely drinkable!
Thank you to everyone who offered advice and encouragement as I ventured into this unknown territory. This experience was a delightful reminder that sometimes, it’s worth revisiting the past!