What is Barley wine?

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TasteAtlas · Accepted Answer

Contrary to its name, barley wine is a beer style that is best known for its dominant malty character. It is a type of extra-strong ale that has originated in England, but it is now produced worldwide. Although the name first came into use in 1903 with the introduction of No.1 Burton Ale by Bass Brewing, the style existed well before that, but it probably appeared under different names.

As a style, barley wine is sometimes difficult to describe as it is incredibly versatile and often overlaps with other types. It is one of the strongest beer styles, with an alcohol content that usually falls between 7 to 12% ABV. British barley wine has a somewhat sherry-like and malty-sweet character with moderate hop bitterness and toffee and dried fruit aroma and flavors. Read more

The American version is also malty but typically has more hop bitterness. Both styles are full-bodied, big, and bold, and all the examples of the style are intended for aging, which tones and mellows the flavors. The first types of barley wine beers probably originated sometime in the 18th century.

They were brewed by farmhouse brewers who would age the first run-off the mash. This first run was typically the strongest, so it could be stored longer. These strong, heavy brews were mostly reserved for the aristocracy and were intended to partially replace wine since Great Britain experienced problems with the most important wine-producing countries.

In the 19th century, private brewing declined along with the taste for rich and malty strong ales. The focus was shifted to lighter and less malty styles, and barley wine fell out of favor, but the production was continued on a small scale, and several British breweries still carry on the tradition.

In the 1970s, the style also appeared in the US. Anchor Brewing released the first version that would influence the emergence of American-style barley wines. Both British and American barley wines are excellent sipping beers, and they would pair nicely with richly-flavored cheese—Stilton is a classic pairing—foie gras, lamb, game meat, or beef-based dishes.

They can also pair well with some desserts.