Barleywine is definitely a recognized thing here in DC. Many companies make it and I have tried quite a few. The traditional favorite is Stone Brewing Company's "Old Guardian" barleywine, of which they have two, released annually. They have a classic release and an off-year creative release (which usually is some creative variant on the barleywine theme.) Rogue Brewing Co. also has a barleywine - their Old Crustacean. 21st Amendment Brewing Co. has their "Lower de Boom" barleywine, and Sierra Nevada released their Triple X anniversary barleywine (of which a review will come soon - I bought a bottle in 2010 and it's still cellaring at my mom's place, waiting for the right moment to be enjoyed.) Needless to say, there are many varieties out there. I recently came across a few bottles of Southern Tier's Backburner barleywine, and I knew that I had to try it.
Like many other Southern Tier offerings, this beer didn't disappoint. The Backburner is a 9.6% ABV barleywine, aged in oak. Unlike some barleywines that are corked, this one came with a cap. I opened it up and heard a slight hiss - nicely carbonated. I let it sit for a moment to open it up, then poured it out into my hurricane glass.
On the first pour, it generated a bone-white head and had a caramelly, sweet nose. The beer was a hazy amber color with lots of carbonation rising to the top.
The middle of the beer - that is, the actual flavor and taste, was just right. The beer was sweet, not bitter, and held a delicious, lush, hoppy taste. I could detect spices and the taste of carmelized strawberries, paired with more oak, and the whole thing finished with no alcohol burn and a nice, full, crisp finish. Your dear author truly enjoyed it.
One of the real reasons this ale is a winner is the fact that it's straightforward. While some flavored ales or barleywines can be exotic or fancy, the Backburner cuts through all that and offers a very solid, deep, tasty ale without any goofy additives or flavorings. I'd wager it's almost better than Stone's Old Guardian, in a way. The Old Guardian can be very sweet, almost sickly sweet, and while that has its place, I think the Backburner delivers the flavor and intent of the barleywine better. Give this a shot, if you see it - it's worth your time! This beer could also probably be cellared for quite a long time, so pick up two and lay one down for a few years.
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