I’ve always had a feeling that the first Barleywines were invented at the North Pole.

They’re packed with so many bold, warming, candy-like flavors that a Christmas elf could drink himself into a wild holi-daze if he’s not careful! 

Surely Mr. Kringle is no stranger to the wonders of Barleywine either — he probably has a bottle or two tucked away in his sled to ease all the stress of delivering presents to the whole world.

But he’s so busy, he doesn’t have the time to brew his own Barleywines… I’m pretty sure that’s why the Washington Beer Award-winners at Heathen Brewing pack a stash of Reindeer Tears up in a big crate every year and postmark it for the North Pole!

Makes sense to me! Santa’s a big guy, and a big guy like that needs a big beer with a lot of Christmas flavor. And with a naughty 12% ABV and enchanting caramel spice, today’s Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine is a perfect fit. 

The Barrel-Aged bad boy is brewed using 5 different malts: Maris Otter for that “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” flavor. Munich and Double Roasted Crystal Malts bring a beatdown of burnt sugar over caramelized fruit. And CaraFoam and Red Wheat lend a full, well-rounded body. 

The Bourbon Barrels smooth out the Barleywine heat with waves of comforting vanilla and candied dates, while the combination of Chinook, Centennial, and Cascade Hops lend a subtle evergreen edge. 

Of course, I had to get in on this Barrel-Aged brew myself — ‘tis the season after all! And now you’ve got a chance to snag a stash of today’s 2019 Vintage, too. 

A little pro-tip for you: ditch the milk n’ cookies and leave out a glass of Reindeer Tears for Santa on Christmas Eve instead. Trust me, you’re guaranteed some major brownie points for next year!

92/100 on The Beer Connoisseur

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Heathen Brewing is certified independent by the Brewers Association