British-Style Barley Wine Ale – British Origin Ale Styles

British-Style Barley Wine Ale Style

  • Color: Tawny copper to deep red/copper-garnet
  • Clarity: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Residual malty sweetness is high
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Hop aroma and flavor are very low to medium. English type hops are often used but are not required for this style.
  • Perceived Bitterness: Low to medium
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Complexity of alcohols and fruity ester attributes are often high and balanced with the high alcohol content. Low levels of diacetyl are acceptable. Caramel and some oxidized character (vinous aromas and/or flavors) may be considered positive attributes.
  • Body: Full

British-Style Barley Wine Ale Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.085-1.120 (20.4-28 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.024-1.028 (6.1-7.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 6.7%-9.6% (8.5%-12.2%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 40-65
  • Color SRM (EBC) 11-36(22-72 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Ale Styles – British Origin Ale Styles – British-Style Barley Wine Ale