Stone Barleywine

[jonmohno]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Maybe i wont give up on them yet. The old gaurdian i had was a 2011 so maybe it does just need some age to come together. I will try to find some of the suggestions and give it another try.

edit: I assumed that stone aged the barleywine before they released it. When I have read about people brewing them on here It seems like its a long time to age before bottling. Why would they distribute it before its ready?

Well, thats a good question but they probably limit how long its aged.Its usually recommended to buy another one then age it for a year or two or whatever, I bought 2 life and limbs and Liked the one i drank but knew it needed aging so i plan on ageing it.
I have a liquor store that has a ok amount of craft beer,but they have alot of stuff thats been on the shelf a long time, i happen to notice the age on some of the barleywines so i think im gonna go back and snatch those before nobody else does,ha.Ive bought stuff that hasnt aged well either like smutyynose, their ipa smelled like diapers. Keeping ipa's on the room temp shelf,doesnt seem to work.
Im guessing the coolers in stores are going to start growing bigger within the next few years.It seems they are running out of room.They have stuff sitting on shelves that are better off in coolers.

 

[ThreeSheetsBrewing]

Another to try would be Deschutes Mirror Mirror. Very tasty imo.

 

[ChillWill]

Brooklyn monster isn't too bad for a starter.

I absolutely love imperial IPA's and big RIS, even a good single malt islay scotch. However.. I find barley wine often far too sweet for me to enjoy. It's one of very few styles of beer I'm not overly keen on (as well as Belgian wit... yuck!)

 

[rycov]

mmm. monster ale

 

[Zamial]

hmmmm

The term "barley wine" was used before the term "imperial" was used. It implied a stronger, higher gravity ale. As with most higher gravity ales age is good. Read up on SN-Big foot. You will find folks that buy a sixer (or more) and do a "vertical" taste test. meaning year 1 they drink one, next year they buy another sixer and try 1 from that year and 1 from the past year, rinse and repeat until you get to try all 6 years in 1 sitting (you may want a buddy to help...)

Also most barley wines are a "one of" type of drink like you mention. I love them this time of year after a good day hunting or around a campfire in the fall/on a cold winter nights.