Southern Tier Brewing Co. - Backburner Barleywine

If you're not familiar with the concept of barleywine, you're missing out. Barleywine (also spelled 'barley wine') is a type of strong ale originating in England that generally weighs in at 8% to 12% ABV. Barleywine is called such as it has close to the ABV of wine yet is made with grains like barley. There are two main kinds of barleywine: American and English. American barleywines are hoppier, more bitter, and lighter. English style is sweeter and darker. Both, I find, are rather delicious and generally have higher alcohol contents than ordinary beers. This makes barleywine a great party beer.

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.

Southern Tier has long been a favorite of mine. The Lakewood, NY-based brewery makes some run-of-the-mill IPAs and straight-up lagers, but their specialty brews is really where the quality of brewing shines through. They make a series of flavored beers that are without peer. For example, they have a coffee stout that's pretty good, a nicely-done mocha stout, and most importantly, their seasonal "Pumking," an imperial pumpkin ale released in the fall, is regarded by me (and many others) to be the finest pumpkin beer ever made. It's one of my favorite beers ever and if you see it, buy it! Without hesitation! Or if you don't want it, but see it somewhere - please tell me.

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.