A Note on This Beer
If you’re a Barleywine fan, prepare to be dazzled, because today you have a chance to pick up a bottle of Firestone Walker’s Helldorado (2016)!
Here’s a glimpse into what makes this brew so special:
- It’s one of the Top 10 American Barleywines in the World on BeerAdvocate.
- Bourbon Barrel-aging creates rich notes of whiskey-caramel and oaky vanilla.
- The brewers used only English and American pale malts, so it’s lighter than most Barleywines, with flavors of biscuit, bread crust, and graham cracker.
- After 4 years in Firestone Walker’s carefully-controlled cellar, it’s smoother, more complex, and richer in flavor than ever before!
It’s not everyday you get a chance to taste a legendary Barleywine from one of the country’s most respected breweries. And finding a vintage version from Firestone Walker’s own cellar? Well, that’s a treat that no one should miss.
Rated 95/100 “World Class” on BeerAdvocate — one of the Top 10 American Barleywines in the World!
Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Firestone Walker Brewing Company is certified independent by the Brewers Association
Reviews
4.2
5.0
Bring back great barleywines. A true heavy hitter and the cellar aging serves the beer well.
4.25
Wow. The color of a blond, but the character of a big chewy, malty, caramel, woody barely wine.
4.5
Nice light barleywine alternative
5.0
The flavors come across just as described. Great sipping beer. For a first time Barelywine drinker will definitely be looking for another to try.
4.25
Boom again
4.25
I prefer this fresh. Was a bit too one dimensional but still very good
4.0
Wish it was more boozy
4.0
Beer was pleasantly surprising! Gotta say this was a very well crafted beer!!
5.0
As barley wines go, this one was elegant with just the right amount of bourbon flavor.
3.0
Very bland. Not bad but nothing special.
3.25
I mostly get just aged bourbon barrels. Not much else for flavor. I guess I was expecting more from something from 2016. Left feeling a little disappointed.
4.25
If you consider this beer was made to be a part of their blended Anniversary Ale "10" it makes me wonder how good "10" was? I have never tried a blonde barleywine before. So I can only compare this beer to other barleywines I have had. It is different. However it is really good. Great vanilla and bourbon flavor with a slight honey finish. It has a great lingering mouth feel. It's not my favorite barleywine but comparison but on it's own it's a very good beer. I have two so I look forward to tasting this again in 4 - 5 years.
4.25
very great