Editor’s Note: This product was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
Barleywine occupies an odd-duck corner of the alcohol world. The first thing to know is that it’s not wine, despite the name. It’s a strong and particularly complex beer – called “wine,” perhaps, because of its high alcohol content (resembling more of a wine than traditional low-ABV beers) and because it’s able to barrel age in ways that most beers are not.
If you like your beer dark and strong, barleywine might be for you. California-based Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. was a pioneer in American barleywines, and has since 1983 been releasing its Bigfoot Barleywine as an especially robust version of the style.
So if you take that pedigree, and finish some of Sierra Nevada’s Bigfoot Barleywine in E.H. Taylor small-batch bourbon barrels that was released last year, what’s not to like?
Tasting Notes: Colonel E.H. Taylor Bourbon Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywine-Style Ale
Vital Stats: Sierra Nevada barleywine aged six years before finishing for a seventh in E.H. Taylor Small Batch bourbon barrels; 30 proof/15% alcohol by volume; MSRP of $25 for a 750 ml bottle, but it sold out quickly and is more likely to be found for $75 to $90 on secondary markets.
Appearance: As soon as you pour it into a mug, you feel like you have something special. It’s dark and viscous, almost like a motor oil.
Nose: “Pungent” is the word that comes to mind. This is not like most beers you’ve had before, which is clear from the first pour. Seven years in wood comes through strongly, and I smell leather, coffee, and charred oak.
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Palate: There’s a coffee-like quality in the mouth, too. But that’s not all. Candy sweetness comes through and lingers, as well. A friend trying it with me thought it brought fruitcake to mind – not the fruitcake we joke about, but good, lush fruitcake. I can’t say I disagree. There are certainly elements of walnuts and pecans, dates, and candied cherries in this barleywine.
Final Thoughts: This is a serious beer, full of big flavors that whiskey drinkers are likely to enjoy. I certainly did. I immediately decided to search out more barleywines to see if they hold up to this one – because I would happily bring this out to drink with friends on pretty much any occasion.
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