Barleywine Fest – Day 1

Welcome to Giant Jones’ 4th Annual Barleywine Fest!!!

Here’s what’s on tap…

GIANT JONES BARLEYWINES

1. Batch #1 (10.9% abv) 2018

The very first batch through our brewhouse, because when you are ultimately a barleywine brewery you might as well just go for it! Featuring German munich malt plus a blend of centennial & pacific gem like a typical batch of GJ American Barleywine, all put through an unrepeatable process. A 10 hour lauter, with less yield than desired, that was first-wort-hopped for the expected yield – we learned a lot that day (that became overnight). Yet, walking home just before dawn, once the yeast was pitched, Jessica said, “Well, that went rather well.” Shocked, Erika exclaimed, “Oh? Tell me more about that…” In all hope and optimism, Jessica said, “We made beer, and if it’s drinkable we can legally sell it to strangers. That’s like the whole thing!”

2. Wheatwine (9.1% abv) 5/17/20

A collaboration with Brasserie V & Longtable to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary. Over half wheat malt, with nutty American munich malt and bravo hops. This beer has continued to get more complex as it ages in stainless steel.

3. Wheatwine (10.2% abv) 11/8/23

Mari loved the Wheatwine during the 2023 Barleywine Fest so much Jessica decided to make another one! Just over half wheat malt with Vienna malt as much of the barley portion and featuring Idaho 7 hops.

4. American Barleywine (1o.8% abv) 9/22/21

Same game, different year. ⅔ Great Western 2-row and ⅓ Weyerman Munich organic malts. A blend of Centennials and Pacific Gem hops. Aged beautifully!

5. American Barleywine (11.3% abv) 9/24/24

Probably the last time this beer will feature a blend of Centennials and Pacific Gem hops, because we can no longer get Pacific Gem hops, which were the base of many of our beers. Base of Proximity Pilsner and Weyerman Munich malts.

6. British-Style Barleywine (10.8% abv) 1/26/23

This batch of British Barleywine is so smooth – people seem to be catching on:) This recipe has 55 lbs of Chateau biscuit malt blended into the ⅓ Dingemans munich malt to enrich the ⅔ Warminster Pale Ale malt – still loads of First Gold hops.

7. British-Style Barleywine (11.3% abv) 11/14/23

Another supply chain evolution of this beer. Gambrinus Pale malt makes up the ⅔ foundation here with Dingemans Munich malt and one bag of Proximity Biscuit malt making up the rest. Lots of First Gold hops as always!

8. British-Style Barleywine (11.2% abv) 11/8/24

Probably the last batch to feature First Gold hops because nobody’s growing them organically anymore. Gambrinus Pale Ale malt, and Dingeman’s Munich malt. This beer has been plagued by supply chain and sourcing issues.

9. Ryewine (11% abv) 2/28/23

We loved our first batch so much, we brought it back. This year’s batch has 22% rye malt. Deceptively smooth, with a silky, velvety mouthfeel from the rye. Erika thinks the rye brings the perfect balance of pink peppercorn, floral and grassy – heralding warmer spring weather to come!

10. Extra Blonde Ale (10.5% abv) 2/26/25

It’s barleywine, but we call it Extra Blonde so you’ll drink it in the summer! First brewed as our 5th anniversary beer, this batch features hops from West Coast Hop Breeding (WCHB-102) that brings big fruity aromas and a touch of cedar. Blend of Proximity Pils and Great Western 2-row malts. The most substantial difference from American Barleywine is that it has no Munich malt, giving it a brighter, easier impression.

GUES. T BARLEYWINE BEERS:

11. Barrel-Aged Barleywine 2022 (13.9% ABV) – Delta Beer Lab

Barleywine aged in J Henry Bourbon Barrels. Pours a dark mahogany red. Aroma is dominated by black cherry & maple syrup with a touch of fresh-cut wood. Molasses, tart plum, & clove mask subtle notes of tobacco smoke & chocolate. You’ll get some heat from this boozy beer, but a medium body keeps an otherwise big beer from being overpowering.

12. Midwest Longhorn (12% ABV) – G5 Brewing

This beer all happened because of a Chicago beer festival run-in. Will from False Idol, between Dallas and Fort Worth, and Tim from G5 met tasting beers at FOBAB 2023. They stayed in touch. Tim visited Will at his brewery, and brewed a rye pilsner, then in the fall of 2024 Will came to G5 and brewed a version of his award winning barleywine. We combined the best of what Texas and Wisconsin are known for in this wonderful full bodied, full flavor barleywine.

13. The Lone Girl Barleywine (9.5% ABV)– Lone Girl Brewing Company

American Barleywine. 2024. This beer has medium hopiness and a rich maltiness, with the combined character of caramel and bread. Aged one year.

14. Barley Wine ’24 (9.8% ABV) – New Glarus Brewing Company

Our 2024 Barley Wine is an expression of our Wisconsin Terroir. Our Diploma Master Brewer, Daniel Carey, hand selected the Wisconsin Chinook hops that are the signature of this powerful beast of a brew. All perfectly balanced with the sweetness of selected Wisconsin malt. Savor this very big beer at 45° F and it will reward you with an open embrace.

15. Barrel- Aged British Elixir (9.7% ABV) – Starkweather Brewing Company

English Barleywine aged in Dancing Goat Rye barrels.

16. Moonface American Blonde Barleywine (10% ABV) – Working Draft Beer Co.

American Blonde Barleywine brewed with 100% Gambrinus Pilsner malt for a light golden hue and a dry crisp finish. Hopped aggressively with CGX Motueka, Czech Sladek and Cascade hops give citrus, spice and tropical fruit flavors.

17. Canadian Bachelor Party (9.5% ABV) – Youngblood Beer Co.

Barleywine Let’s list off the things that we know for sure. 1.) They gently dip each other in syrup. 2.) They scientifically test new denim fits. 3.) They engage in politeness competitions where there is no winner because they aren’t rude.4.) See picture on beer can for details.