My First Barleywine

 

Beer: Adnams Tally Ho

Beer Style: Barleywine

Abv: 9%

Country of Origin: England

Serving: 11.2 oz bottle poured into a small wine glass from White Cross Cellars of Amana, Iowa.

 

Background: A barleywine is a beer style that I’ve never really explored. I figured there’s no time like the present. Especially when winter nights are still commonplace and a warmer is a good luxury. I’m exploring English beers currently. So Adnams Tally Ho was a proper candidate. Beer Advocate has a good definition of barleywine.

 

Taste and Aroma: Piney, sticky raisins are present in the nose. The beer tastes of raisins, apples, and booze. As the beer warms the raisins and booze become more present. The scent of the raisins disappear as the beer warms and it is replaced by the scent and taste of pears and the apples are reinforced. The crisp hop bite at the end is subtle but it is needed to keep this beer somewhat balanced.

Final Analysis: I’m uncertain if barleywines are a good beer style for me to explore. I tend to not be fond of beers with dark fruit elements. Although, I’m glad I explored this. I’m not sure if I’ll have a barleywine at the next opportunity. If I want wine I’ll go to a cabernet or a pinot noir.