With its deep, complex flavors and elevated alcohol content, barley wine stands apart from everyday beers. While lagers and ales tend to have ABVs below 6%, barley wines start at 8% alcohol and often reach up to 12%. This unique brew was born out of the strong ale tradition in England. Today, barley wines from American craft breweries have catapulted the style to new levels of intensity. Though it's called a "wine," make no mistake - barley wine is very much a beer, and a distinctive one at that. With rich malty sweetness, high bitterness, and a warming boozy kick, barley wine offers an intensely flavored experience worthy of sipping and savoring like a fine wine. Let's dive into the story behind this sip-able brew.
The History of Barley Wine
Barley wines originated in England in the late 19th century. They were initially called “barley wine” to differentiate them from regular grape wines. The name stuck, even though barley wine is still technically a beer made from barley malt. Early English examples like Bass No. 1 Barley Wine were rich and complex.
Over time, American craft brewers started producing their own riffs on the style, making imperial or double barley wines. These amped-up versions feature even higher ABV levels in the 10-12% range. No matter where it’s brewed, barley wine is designed to be sipped and savored like a fine wine.
How Barley Wine is Made
Like regular beer, barley wine starts with malted barley that is mashed to extract fermentable sugars. The key difference in brewing barley wine is using much more grain than a typical beer recipe. More grain means more sugars for the yeast to ferment into alcohol.
Barley wines also utilize lots of hops, giving bitterness to balance the sweet maltiness. The wort (unfermented beer liquid) is then fermented over a longer period of time, often around two weeks. This extended fermentation allows all those extra sugars to be converted into alcohol.
Tasting Notes and Food Pairings
With its intense malt flavors and high ABV, barley wine offers a robust tasting experience. Flavors like dark fruit, toffee, caramel, and toast are common. The alcohol brings warming heat, while the hops lend bitterness to offset the sweetness.
Pair barley wine with rich foods like pot roast, grilled steak, or aged cheese. The intensity stands up to these bold flavors. Barley wine also improves with cellaring, taking on more complexity. Savor and cheers this hearty, sip-worthy brew!
So next time you visit a local brewery, such as Iowa Brewing Company, give barley wine a shot!