Best Barleywine & Best Winter Ale Reviews

Dark brown color. Aromas of dried figs and dates, almond butter, pedro ximénez sherry, and caramel laden nuts with an oily, crisp, off-dry medium-full body and a smooth, complex, long chocolate covered espresso beans, blackened toast with butter, chicory, and tobacco finish. A rich, smoky, and mysterious oatmeal stout that goes down like some kind of silken tar of molasses and malt.

Maroon color. Curious aromas and flavors of coriander, dark chocolate, marshmallow, thyme, and marzipan with a satiny, crisp, spritzy, fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, interesting, medium-length finish evoking notes of toffee and carob finish. A distinctively herbal barleywine that will be a statement-making cheese pairing.

Copper color. Aromas and flavors of dried mango, coriander, peach, and carnation with a satiny, crisp, spritzy, dryish medium body and a peppery, interesting, medium-length finish that exhibits notes of fresh parsley, sourdough, and black tea finish. An assertive IIPA that hits the nail on the head; brawny yet balanced.

Walnut color. Baked aromas of dried fruit, apricot studded challah, roasted nuts, and apple butter with a velvety, bright, spritzy, off-dry medium-to-full body and a warming, stimulating, medium-long malabar pepper, toasted chocolate muffin, and cream cheese frosting finish. A rich and smooth Eisbock for the winter months; warms one to the bone.

Burnt sienna color. Aromas of cherry preserves on buttered toast, chamomile tea, candied almond, and banana with a satiny, vibrant, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, intricate, long candied ginger, baked stone fruit, flaky pastry, and toasted raisin bread finish. A cellarable barley wine with a nice spectrum of malty, complex spicy flavors.

Red oak color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate covered pretzel, toasted coconut, sticky toffee pudding, and drinking custard with a velvety, bright, spritzy, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a polished, refreshing, medium-long finish. A sweet and festive winter ale packed with holiday confection; coquito flavors in a toasty brew!

Burnt sienna color. Hoppy aromas and flavors of orange oil, mango pit, and roasted and caramelized root vegetables with a satiny, crisp, effervescent, dryish medium body and a warming, amusing, medium-length finish revealing notes of allspice and gentian finish. A warming barley wine for hopheads.

Dark mahogany color. Aromas of egg nog with nutmeg, tres leches cake, and chocolate covered cherry with a satiny, vibrant, effervescent, moderately sweet medium body and a warming, buoyant cherry cola and gingerbread finish. A fun and festive Barrel Aged Ale that will be a sweet hit for the holidays.

Mahogany color. Aromas of blackberry jam, raspberry thumbprint cookie, sasparilla, and grape candies with a satiny, crisp, fizzy, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, quick kvass, mixed nuts, and wintergreen finish. A fruity beer for crowd-pleasing; a warming winter wheat ale.

Sunburst color. Aromas of fallen cherry, dried leaves, nougat, and ground coffee with a satiny, vibrant, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, medium marinated mushrooms, parker roll, cracked pepper, and oatmeal with brown sugar finish. A solid barleywine with a nice thread of peppy acidity.

Burnt sienna color. Aromas of fresh tangerine juice, ripe peach, fruit punch, and panettone with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a seamless, medium-length almond croissant finish. A flamboyant and fruity IPA with wide-appeal and in-check bitterness; akin to a radler.

Dark mahogany color. Aromas of fruitcake, bubblegum, rum-raisin, nutmeg, and spiced pumpkin with a satiny, bright, effervescent, very sweet medium-to-full body and a medium-length egg custard, nut shells, and parchment finish. A very sweet beer that might be a nice holiday desert pairing.

Red oak color. Vegetal aromas of cabbage, cacao nib, tinned asparagus, and gingerbread with a silky, crisp, effervescent, dry light-to-medium body and a medium-length sourdough toast, pepper, shaved wood, and winter spices finish. A funky winter ale for the table.

Copper color. Interesting aromas and flavors of mead, cedar, green apple candy, and tea leaves with an oily, bright, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, nuanced, medium-length finish that presents notes of stewed apricot, orange marmalade, mushrooms, parchment, and sherry finish. A fruity barley wine that could be a nice introduction to the category.