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Barrel Chested Barleywine

Indiana
United States
Upland Beer Barrel Chested Barleywine
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Appearance:
5 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Description 

This complex strong ale pours a beautiful deep copper with hues of bright mahogany and a creamy tan head. The essence of rich caramel, biscuit, toffee, and fig are coalesced during a long maturation period in oak barrels previously used by the Willett Distilling Company which arrive at the brewery still dripping with bourbon (which our brewers didn’t let go to waste). Over time, these barrels add their own flavor contributions of vanilla, toasted oak, and sweet bourbon undertones. At 9.5% ABV, this beer is a gentle giant with a seductive sweetness and intriguing complexity.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.5%
IBUs: 
50
Judges Review 
Joseph Formanek's picture
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Upland’s Barrel Chested Barleywine is a big exuberant brew that isn’t afraid to make its presence known. The aroma of this clear, brown-black brew with a solid, cream-colored head is loaded with bourbon and wood character, melded with a moderate level of toffee and molasses-aged malt notes. At the time of judging, the alcohol notes in the brew, particularly the bourbon character, is somewhat edgy and tends to dominate the aroma. The flavor retains the same characteristics, with big bourbon and alcohol flavor and bite very evident above the rich malty backbone. Hop expression is moderate but not overpowering, and it exists at a level that marries well with the bourbon and malt characters. The finish of this full-bodied brew maintains all of the mentioned flavor characteristics, delivering a long lasting impressive memory of your last sip. This one is meant to be savored.

This is a very expressive Bourbon Barrel-aged Barleywine despite being quite young (bottled in 2015), and it does show its youth. This brew would age quite well, with some of the edgier bourbon barrel notes mellowing out as the malt character becomes more complex over time. I could see the rating being significantly higher with proper cellaring.

Brewery Introduction

Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Upland Brewing Co. began its intriguing story in 1998 with a mission to brew remarkable beers in remarkable ways, staying true to the artisan, progressive spirit found in our part of the Midwest. Our sour program began in 2006 as a way to entertain our curious... Read More