Beer of the Month: Green Flash Brewing Barleywine 2010

Green Flash Brewing Barleywine 2010

Barleywines are typically sweet and malty with plenty of hops for balance. This one, from a India Pale Ale specialist based in San Diego, leads with the hops. It pours dark amber with an attractive nose of pine and oranges. In the mouth, it’s a riot of flavors with the hops inexorably knuckling the malt under. The finish is medium long and hoppy all the way. It can stand up to strongly flavored foods such as curries.

One thing all barleywines have in common is a high alcohol level. For that reason, they’re traditionally sold in small bottles, but — a word to the wise — this one is 22 ounces at 10.9% alcohol by volume. Enough said.

You’ll notice it bears a vintage date. Barleywines can age like wine for a year or more, except that you should keep them at refrigerator temperatures, rather than in a cellar.

— Charles Perry

Quick sip

Style: Barleywine for hopheads — a monster mouthful with a serious kick

Price: $5.29 to $5.99 for a 22-ounce bottle

Where to find it: At Wade’s Wines in Westlake Village (818) 597-9463, https://www.wadeswines.com; and Beverages & More stores, many locations, https://www.bevmo.com