BJCP 2021 / 17D
English Barleywine
A massive, complex sipping ale with rich malt, fruit and a warming bitter finish.
- Ages well
- very high strength
- amber color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 54 to 60F, Snifter
OG1.120
1.080 to 1.120FG1.030
1.018 to 1.030IBU120
35 to 70SRM40
8 to 22ABV14%
8.0 to 12.0%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Rich toffee, caramel and bready malt
- Dark or stone fruit
- Earthy hop and sweet alcohol warmth
- Vague
- Rich
- Better
- Toffee, dark fruit and alcohol
- Best
- Intense toffee, caramel and bread with plum and apricot, low earthy hop, warm sweet alcohol
Appearance
3 pts- Amber to deep brown
- Clear to bright
- Off-white to tan head, may be thin
- Vague
- Brown
- Better
- Deep amber and bright
- Best
- Deep amber to brown, clear to bright, off-white head that fades to a thin ring
Flavor
20 pts- Strong caramel, toffee and bread
- Dark fruit and honey
- Firm bitterness and a long warm finish
- Vague
- Strong
- Better
- Toffee, dark fruit and warmth
- Best
- Intense toffee, caramel and bread malt with plum, apricot and honey, moderate-high bitterness, long warming finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Full body
- Low carbonation
- Smooth, noticeably warming
- Vague
- Thick
- Better
- Full body and warming
- Best
- Full body, smooth and thick, notable warmth, low carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Depth, balance, smooth alcohol
Drops it
- Hot alcohol
- Cloying sweetness
Writing tip
Assess warmth and smoothness. Example: 'Toffee, plum and honey with strong warming alcohol. Smooth, complex and well-aged.'
Pour these
- Harvest AleJ.W. LeesDark fruit and toffee, ages beautifully
- Golden PrideFuller'sRich and bright, sweet and warming
- Thomas Hardy's AleMeantime BrewingComplex dark fruit and long age
Often confused with
- 22C American BarleywineAmerican Barleywine is hoppier and more citrusy
- 17B Old AleOld Ale is lighter and less bitter
Fine here
- Alcoholic: A strong warmth is expected
- Oxidized: Sherry or port notes are tolerated in aged examples
Ruinous here
- Solvent: Nail-polish alcohol
- Diacetyl: Butter
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.