Barley wine is the evocative name coined by British brewers to describe an extremely potent ale that can range from golden copper to dark brown in color. Barley wines are characterized by extravagant caramel malt flavors and bittering hops that prevent the malt sweetness from cloying. Rich and viscous, they can have in their most complex manifestations winey flavor profiles, with a hint of sweetness. Some examples are vintage-dated and can improve with extended bottle age.
Strong ales are sometimes referred to as old ales, stock ales or winter warmers. These beers are higher alcohol versions (typically between 5.5-7 percent ABV) of pale ales, though not as robust or alcoholic as barley wines. Usually a deep amber color, these brews generally have a sweet malty palate and a degree of fruitiness. If bottle-conditioned, strong ales can improve for several years, in some cases eventually obtaining sherrylike notes.
Irish ales are characterized by their reddish color, malt accents, slightly sweet palate and low hopping. They are not generally bitter if true to style and in this they reflect the historical fact that the Irish have never taken to huge amounts of hops in their traditional beers. In their native land they have long played second fiddle to stout, and before that, porter.
Scottish ales can be full-bodied and malty, with some of the classic examples being dark brown in color. They are less hopped than the English counterparts and often have a slightly viscous and sweet caramel malt character due to incomplete fermentation.
The precise definition of English brown ale would depend on where you were in England. It is nowadays much more closely associated with Northern England, specifically Tadcaster and Newcastle, home to Newcastle Brown Ale. These medium-bodied reddish-brown beers are malt-accented with a nutty character, a gentle fruitiness and low bitterness. Alcohol is moderate, a maximum of 5 percent ABV.
Each year, the first round of the World Beer Championships is reserved for British and North American ale styles. Following
This column has always assumed that lovers of great beer stray on occasion. It doesn’t mean we love beer less.
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