Strong Ale

Barley Wine

Barley Wine is a gourmet beer and originates from England. In the 18th century, this very strong ale was brewed for the upper classes and partly to replace wine. Wine deliveries from France had repeatedly come to a standstill due to the conflicts between the two countries at the time. Barley Wine can be described as a hybrid of Old Ale, Strong Ale and Vintage Ale. Usually with an alcohol content of between 9 and 14 % by volume, Barley Wine has a high residual sweetness and requires an enormous amount of hops. Wine, whisky, port and cognac barrels are still often used for maturation. Today's Barley Wine is divided into British and American styles. The British style is more floral and not quite as bitter, while the American style is more fruity and often very bitter. The colour of Barley Wine varies from dark gold to amber to deep brown. A great and rare beer style with full body, extremely full-bodied and often very heavy.

Old Ale

We categorise Old Ale under Strong and is very similar to Barley Wine. The two beer styles differ only very slightly. There are no significant differences either historically or in practice. Both beer styles can be categorised under Strong Ale. Barley Wines tend to develop a more "mature" quality, while Old Ales can have more cask qualities.

As with many other old school beer terms, it is more of a marketing decision by the brewery to use this term.