A strong beer designed to be sipped and savoured rather than being drunk by the pint to quench thirst. As the name suggests this is more like a wine made with barley than standard beers so the alcohol content can climb to wine like strengths. At the lower end CAMRA says the minimum ABV should be 6.5%.
Although difficult to find there are some long standing examples, the rise of 'craft brewers' has seen a slight increase in the number of beers of this style in recent years, though little of these beers are real ale. However this is not unusual as Barley Wines were more common in bottles than on draft, in fact some very well known brands were even canned, way before the recent resurgence in this packaging method.
The main characteristics of this beer style is that Barley Wines are rich, complex and full bodied. Due to the high alcohol content in some examples they may also be described as warming. These characteristics are shared with similar beer styles Strong Ales - Blond and Strong Ale - Dark.
Colour
Gold to Tawny
Clarity
Usually clear to bright, but can be hazy
Carbonation
Low, unless bottled or canned but even these should be moderate
Alcohol
Noticeable and often warming
Hop
Not present in any great quantities, paricularly in aged examples
Malt
Moderate to Strong
Esters
Often present and surfacing as Pear Drops
Phenols
Present, particularly as a fruity aroma
Fermentation By-Products
When aged, may have some 'barrel influence' or vinous characteristics
Body
Thick
Carbonation
Low but can be higher in bottled and canned examples
Finish Length
Long and strong, often coupled with the warm glow associated with stronger beers
Attenuation
Tend to be sweet and occasionally honey like but with some residual bitterness
Hops
May be present but very much in the background
Malt
Moderate to strong
Water
No specific requirements
Yeast
Ale
Sarah Hughes - Snowflake