Fortitude Barrel Barleywine is a meticulously crafted traditional English-style barleywine known for its rich malt profile and complexity brought by barrel (oak chip) aging. Barleywine is an English strong ale style with higher alcohol and intense malt sweetness balanced by firm hop bitterness. This unique recipe incorporates traditional malts such as Maris Otter pale malt complemented with crystal, special B, and a hint of black malt to provide caramel, raisin, and roasted undertones.
Using East Kent Goldings hops at the beginning of the boil delivers a classic English aromatic and bitter base making the beer robust and hearty. Fermentation is performed by a classic English Ale yeast strain, giving it a soft fruity estery character. The highlight is an extended aging phase with medium toasted French oak chips added directly to secondary fermentation tank mimicking barrel aging, which imbues the beer with subtle wood tannins and vanilla nuances.
The resulting beer is intensely aromatic with a warming alcohol presence while maintaining a smooth balance between malt sweetness and layered hop bitterness. The aging process enhances mouthfeel and depth, making it a sipping beer best savored slightly warmed. The meticulous process combined with aging time requires skill and patience mostly suited to advanced brewers.
Tips:
This barleywine expresses the quintessential character of traditional English ales with a bold fortitude embodied through barrel aging making it perfect for celebrations or contemplative moments. Its rich palette and crafted process celebrate the heritage and brewing craftsmanship typical to British pubs honored worldwide.