H
harebare
I know. There are as many styles of "barley wine" as there are brewers. (Perhaps more?) But I'm thinking ahead for a Christmas present for one of my sons and he's drop dead in love with the local brewer's version which comes out in the darkest days of winter.
I'm looking for that rich, dark and complex strong ale that has fruit and earth notes like a great Bordeaux, about 12% ABV, deep ruby color, slight but long lasting head, moderate to low carbonation with tiny bubbles. There's a spiciness there but you wouldn't think it had cardamon or mace in it, just maybe some exotic hop you can't put your finger on. It's the kind of thing your pub serves in an 8 oz snifter but charges you for two pints.
The one I'm trying to duplicate is fermented twice and aged a year in french wine barrels. (Some years, bourbon barrels and I like this version less well.) I'm looking to make 5 gals or less so I'm hoping somebody has an oak chip technique that works.
I have a few off the web but none looks like it is headed quite where I'd like to go.
Y'all seem so creative so I thought I'd ask.
- Hare
I'm looking for that rich, dark and complex strong ale that has fruit and earth notes like a great Bordeaux, about 12% ABV, deep ruby color, slight but long lasting head, moderate to low carbonation with tiny bubbles. There's a spiciness there but you wouldn't think it had cardamon or mace in it, just maybe some exotic hop you can't put your finger on. It's the kind of thing your pub serves in an 8 oz snifter but charges you for two pints.
The one I'm trying to duplicate is fermented twice and aged a year in french wine barrels. (Some years, bourbon barrels and I like this version less well.) I'm looking to make 5 gals or less so I'm hoping somebody has an oak chip technique that works.
I have a few off the web but none looks like it is headed quite where I'd like to go.
Y'all seem so creative so I thought I'd ask.
- Hare