This Is My Blood: Bigfoot

Though we're getting towards the end of the list, we're still working our way through every beer style. You can find the list HERE.

American Barley Wine
(#75)
Exemplified by Bigfoot

I hate the idea of drinking an American version of a beer style before I drink the English version, but with something as apparently rare as barleywine, it was either American or nothing. Let me rephrase that: within the parameters of my budget, my options for this beer style are limited. I could probably pretty easily go to a craft beer store in Bucks County and spend $30 on a 750ml English barleywine. I'm not trying to do that. I've made peace with the fact that I may not be able to drink every beer I want to this year. I'm not going to break the bank for a blog.

But if the prospective price gives you an indication of anything, it's that barleywine is packed with flavor. It is light on nothing. Lots of malts, lots of hops, a dark amber color, a thick mouthfeel, a strong aftertaste of dark fruits. It was really cool drinking a style of beer that I've never had before—how often does that happen?—because I'm going in with a clean slate, and I'm walking away still thinking about what I just experienced. Is this what Pacific Northwest hops taste like? Is that a hint of leather? Could I ever possibly drink more than one of these 9.6%-ABV beers without getting sloshed?

Like I said, this is the American version of the style. Apparently English barleywines have fewer hops. That's the story with all American styles, though, isn't it? We see it time and again—porters, pale ales, pilsners, brown ales, all of them hopped up because that's an American thing to do. I will have to wait till I find an English barleywine somewhere to compare, but who knows if that will happen.

At this point, all I can say is that barleywine is definitely a beer style that is worth seeking out, if only so that you can say you've had one. This is not a beer you are drinking a six pack of on the beach. This is a beer you keep in the cellar for a couple years and save it for a special occasion.

NOTES

BEER: Bigfoot

GENRE: American Barleywine

ABV: 9.6%

BREWED BY: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

LOCATION: Chico, California

PURCHASED AT: IGA

PAIRED WITH: The pilot episode of Happy Endings (felt like starting a comedy instead of a drama)

GRADE: 3.5 pukes out of 5

BEER COUNT: 352