With the new year approaching, it’s a popular time to say “out with the old and in with new.” But at Delaware’s Dogfish Head, an old favorite is set to return.
As the new 2017 year readies itself for admission to the world history calendar, Dogfish Head is bringing back a popular seasonal favorite from the past. The beer is Olde School Barleywine, a strong, full- bodied brew with the necessary palate- arousing muscle to make it worthy of a new year brew. The beer dates all the way back to 2002 and Dogfish Head president and founder Sam Calagione says this complex beer is a special beer in its class because it brings together elements of the barleywine style from both sides of the Atlantic.
“Our approach was to do a new world take on traditional English barleywine,” says Calagione. “American style barleywines tend to be more hop-forward while, in comparison, English barleywines are malt-forward and develop their fruity attributes from the esters. When properly aged, the pit-fruit and sweet, sherry characteristics mature into something spectacular.”
Olde School Barleywine is fine for drinking immediately, but with a boastful 15% alcohol by volume, it is also a great beer for aging. As time passes, this beer will become drier, with a more pronounced flavor of fruit and less bitterness from the hops. In addition, Olde School develops honey and toffee flavors over time for added enjoyment.
Olde School Barleywine is the perfect means to celebrate another year and it goes on sale beginning January 3, 2017. For more information on this and other members of the Dogfish Head family, visit online at www.dogfish.com.
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