When do you drink barleywine?

[heywolfie1015]

This past weekend, I celebrated the Fourth with (among other things) a bottle of Lagunitas Gnarlywine and a BBQ with some friends and family. My brother, who is not a huge beer drinker (although I've started making him a convert), took one sip and was a little taken aback by the intensity. The reaction got me thinking a bit. I like barleywines whenever and wherever I can get them, but they have a time and a place. For me, kicking back on a cool July evening was a nice opportunity to crack the bottle, but I could also see why he was expecting a much different beer for the occasion.

When do you drink barleywines, and what sorts of meals/occasions do you think they complement best?

 

[philrose]

coming in from the cold. like after skiing or a rainy commute home from work

 

[volstag]

I like barleywine when its cold outside and I'm inside watching a movie next to a warm fire.

 

[Beernip]

Only after 5 PM.

Not really a hot weather beer either.

 

[david_42]

Definitely a cold weather style for me and not with meals. Something I'll drink after cussing at the fireplace insert.

 

[heywolfie1015]

Yeah, my problem is that I live in a city (L.A.) where it never really dips down into what any sane person would call "cold." ("Cool," maybe, but whatever.) If I limited myself to the most optimum time for a barleywine, I'd probably never have a drop!

 

[Mischief_Brewing]

It kills me that most craft breweries release the stouts and barleywines in fall/winter. I like them year-round, regardless of temperature. That's why I brew them year-round myself.

 

[knelson]

Try them after a nice dinner, much like you would enjoy a port or a after dinner drink/cordial. Doesnt really matter what the temp is outside, although I do prefer them on a cold winter night (i live in Wisconsin so get plenty of opportunities)

Let the beer warm up a bit and sip it slowly out of a snifter/tulip type glass.

 

[Edcculus]

Being in South Carolina where the summers are hotter than hell, I reach for lighter lower alcohol beers (or ciders) this time of year. I'll sometimes pair a barleywine with dinner. Overall, I prefer bigger beers like Barleywine or RIS in the winter.

 

[blizz81]

I don't let the seasons dictate my tastebuds - whenever I get the hankering for one.

 

[Teromous]

During nuclear winter. I have some stocked with my emergency rations.

 

[heywolfie1015]

During nuclear winter. I have some stocked with my emergency rations.

Good plan. You'll need a drink then.

 

[JayBullen]

While smoking a good cigar.

 

[humann_brewing]

Yeah, my problem is that I live in a city (L.A.) where it never really dips down into what any sane person would call "cold." ("Cool," maybe, but whatever.) If I limited myself to the most optimum time for a barleywine, I'd probably never have a drop!

yep, you said it, for optimum conditions I don't think it will ever get cold enough down there. try this, fill up your tub with a little water and then dump a hole bunch of ice in it, then take a seat and start sipping your barleywine

P.S. I brewed a barleywine in april that I am getting ready for this winter and beyond.

 

[lunchbox]

Being in South Carolina where the summers are hotter than hell, I reach for lighter lower alcohol beers (or ciders) this time of year. I'll sometimes pair a barleywine with dinner. Overall, I prefer bigger beers like Barleywine or RIS in the winter.

I'm in NC, and I know the feeling.

I say brew the Barleywine in the winter, and enjoy it the next winter!

 

[winstonofbeer]

Personally, Barleywine is good all year round. Granted when its 110 outside maybe not.
For me, I brew lighter beers most of the time in summer when its hot. During the rest of the year, I brew whatever comes to mind or i try a bottle of something and go WOW i need to make something like that.

But, I may be a little weird. I work in a 30degree cooler 6 days a week. So i am always cold.

 

[McGarnigle]

I am pretty strictly a seasonal drinker. In December, I go on a barleywine binge, but I won't touch the stuff now. Now I'm drinking my year's worth of Hefeweizens and Witbiers and Saison. I kind of like going 10 months without touching a style...makes it more exciting to taste one again.

 

[Daparish]

Whenever. Wherever. I live in TN and it's almost impossible to find good craft beer within the state lines. Last weekend I ventured to Asheville NC and went on a shopping spree at Bruisin' Ales. I picked up, among other things, a Great Divide Old Ruffian Barleywine. Drank it the following evening and I loved it. One of the better beers I've had. When I get my hands on another, I'd drink it in the middle of a summer day as long as it's cold.

 

[NoNothing]

I tend to enjoy a heavy beer when Im not really feeling a beer.

If Im in the mood for scotch, or a wine, Ill crack open a BW or Imperial Stout. Goes great with a nice pipe!

 

[GaryJohn]

I drink it any time...but I usually prefer a glass of barleywine in the evening when its time to relax. Also, on the weekends when its party-time.

I sip it out of a snifter...sometimes when I know I'll be sitting for a while working on a task, and pour a glass as well. There is nothing like a well-aged barleywine.

 

[Beernip]

a scotch or a barleywine is great on a cool evening sitting around a firepit.

 

[theschick]

After reading this, I decided to crack open a SN barelywine I had in the fridge from this spring. Perfect treat while grilling steaks in the backyard. I had my wife taste it (who is not a beer drinker), and she thought it was the most disgusting thing she has ever tried. I just smile and continue drinking.

 

[wildwest450]

Whenever you need to forget...

 

[KayaBrew]

1) For breakfast
2) Before, during, and after sex
3) When you want to make any day St. Patrick's Day
4) When your mother-in-law is within a 100 mile radius

 

[DrinkNoH2O]

During nuclear winter. I have some stocked with my emergency rations.

The nice thing about the barleywine is that it will age well, so you're all set...