American Barleywine

Anchor Old Foghorn, from 1976, pioneered the American take on the English barleywine, and Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, from 1983, set the template for its hop-forward interpretation. It is a well-hopped American reading of the richest and strongest English ales, with big, intense hop character over deep malt, which distinguishes it clearly from its maltier English counterpart. Strength reaches 8.0 to 12.0 percent alcohol with 50 to 100 IBU and a 10 to 19 SRM colour. A challenging and celebrated craft achievement, the style is also carried by Bell's Third Coast Old Ale and Stone Old Guardian. BJCP files it as 22C.

A well-hopped American interpretation of the richest and strongest of the English ales. The hop character is big, intense, and prominent.

Intense American hop aroma with citrus, tropical fruit, pine, or resinous notes. Strong caramel or bready malt aroma. Possible fruity esters. Strong alcohol warmth. Bold, complex, and hop-dominated.

Amber to medium copper, 10-19 SRM. Clear to slightly hazy. White to off-white head with moderate retention.

Intense American hop flavor with citrus, tropical, or resinous notes. Strong hop bitterness. Rich caramel or bready malt. Alcohol warmth. Dry to semi-dry finish. Hop-dominated but balanced by malt.

Full body with moderate to high carbonation. Chewy and warming. Significant alcohol warmth. Smooth with no harsh astringency.

American craft brewers adapted the English Barleywine concept in the 1970s-80s, adding aggressive American hop character. Anchor Old Foghorn (1976) was the pioneering example of the modern American version. Sierra Nevada Bigfoot (1983) set the template for the hop-forward interpretation. The style remains a challenging, celebrated craft achievement.

What is American Barleywine beer?

American Barleywine (BJCP 22C) — a hop-forward, intensely strong American ale. Style guide.

What is the ABV of American Barleywine?

American Barleywine has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 8.0-12.0%.

How bitter is American Barleywine beer?

American Barleywine measures 50-100 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of American Barleywine beers?

Anchor Old Foghorn, Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, Bell's Third Coast Old Ale, Stone Old Guardian