BJCP 22C · Strong American Ale
American Barleywine
A very strong, malty ale with intense American hops: caramel, toffee and dark fruit with high bitterness. Hoppier than an English Barley Wine.
American Barleywine by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 8.0 – 12.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 50 – 100 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 9 – 18 SRM18–35 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.080 – 1.120on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.016 – 1.030on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What American Barleywine is like
A very high-alcohol ale, rich in malt, with intense American hops that show up in the aroma, flavor and bitterness. It's hoppier and a little drier than its English cousin, and it ages well.
Appearance
Amber to dark copper or light brown, clear. Off-white head that may not last long; alcohol legs in the glass.
Aroma
Moderate to intense American hops, citrusy, resinous or fruity, alongside rich caramel, toffee and bready malt. Obvious but smooth alcohol, and possible dark fruit notes.
Flavor
Dense malt with caramel, toffee and bread, offset by medium to high bitterness and plenty of hop flavor. The finish runs from off-dry to slightly sweet, with alcohol warmth.
Mouthfeel
Full body, a thick, chewy texture, low to moderate carbonation and clear alcohol warmth that doesn't burn.
Where American Barleywine comes from
American brewers adapted it from the English Barley Wine in the 1970s and 1980s; Anchor Old Foghorn and Sierra Nevada Bigfoot were among the first. What sets it apart from the English version is the American hop character.
Ingredients
Lots of American pale malt with caramel malts and little or no dark malt. Large amounts of American hops of any kind and an American ale yeast that can handle the alcohol.
Brew it yourself
How to brew American Barleywine at home
You need lots of healthy yeast and good oxygenation; start at 17–18 °C (63–64 °F) and let it rise to 20–21 °C (68–70 °F) toward the end. You may need a longer boil to concentrate the wort. Give it months of aging: young, it's usually harsh, and the hops mellow over time.
Food pairing
Ideal with blue cheeses like Cabrales, foie gras or nut desserts.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- Sierra Nevada Bigfoot
- Anchor Old Foghorn
- Great Divide Old Ruffian
Frequently asked questions
How strong is American Barleywine?
Between 8.0% and 12.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a very high strength.
How bitter is American Barleywine?
It has 50 to 100 IBUs, a very high bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is American Barleywine?
Amber to brown: 9 to 18 SRM (18 to 35 EBC).
What food pairs well with American Barleywine?
Ideal with blue cheeses like Cabrales, foie gras or nut desserts.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try English Barley Wine, American Strong Ale and Wheatwine.
If you like American Barleywine, try these
Classification and statistics: official American Barleywine guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.