Beer Review: Hog Heaven Barley Wine
The Stats:
Brewery: Avery Brewing, Boulder CO
Style: Barleywine
abv: 9.2%
The Beer
I first tried Hog Heaven back in New Jersey, long before I ever entertained thoughts of living in the same town where the magic elixir is brewed. The reasoning was simple: it was a new barleywine ale on the shelf at my local New Jersey liquor store. What with strong ales of all stripes being my preference and barleywines in particular, I immediately grabbed a bottle. The flying pigs on the label didn’t hurt any, either.
The beer is dark ruby red in color, with a nice dense head and intense hop aroma. Dipping a nose into the glass, you can’t help but take several long pulls with your nose before ever taking a sip,and the whiffs are intoxicating in their own right. Once you take a sip, the deal is sealed. Strong alcohol flavor is balanced with an incredible one-two punch of malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness. The malt and hops are in perfect harmony; this beer is not cloyingly sweet nor is it dryingly bitter. It’s a lot of everything, but all flavors get their turn at the front of the stage and the end result is a beer that fills your mouth—and your soul—with the total beer experience. Immensely satisfying and delightfully sippable. This reviewer maintains that this is one barleywine that’s drinkable year-round; it’s that balanced.
Available in 22oz bomber bottles, this is one of my all-time favorite beers, and one or two are generally in residence on my refrigerator door rack at any given time.
More Info
RateBeer.com Rating: 96
Brewer’s Info Page: www.averybrewing.com/BigBeers/docs/hogHeaven
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5 comments
Great review, RG! Makes me want to pick up a bottle myself, and i don’t even like barley wine.
Have you ever thought about going into advertising?
Hey,
Two posts in a row about Hogs? You must be thinking of me. :) We are on our way to Mexico and we will be missing you. I think Hugh might have to smoke an extra cigar just for you.
Ryan
Had a couple of McEwans last week at my favorite pub. Is McEwans a true
barley wine? Not so sure. But it was tasty and a nice change of pace from
my regular selection – Samual Smith Taddy Porter, Smithywicks, and Bass.
Also on a monthly basis I purchase a six of Hop Devil as my homage to Rob G.
Now I must look for Hog Heaven. You’ve never steered me wrong yet.
McEwan’s is a brewery, but if you had what I think you had—that really dark strong stuff—that was McEwan’s Scotch Ale. Scotch Ale is a style in its own right. Strong like a barleywine, but totally different flavor and color. Good stuff, nonetheless. Was that on draft??
Ahh, Hop Devil. They’ve started carrying that and a lot of Victory’s other beers around here now, so there’s basically no reason to ever leave Boulder.
Nah, the McEwan’s was bottled, but oh man it is soooo sweet. Scotch ale is sooo good. It’s a sipping beer though and I like that. I live for a good sipper. Kind of like the Taddy Porter. Just went to my local “Total Wine” store. They have an incredible selection of beers but no barley wines. I’ve started to get chummy with the manager and he has assured me an order of three barley wines..1 case of “hog Heaven” and a case of “Gingrach Sweet” and a case of some New York State mini brew that I didn’t get the name of. He’s a bit of an afficianado too, like you, as I am trying to be. This looks like the start of a beautiful friendship. He’s also a big Irish whiskey fan too. He loves the “Powers” and “Tullamore Dew”. Delicious.
Life is good.
BTW - was able to get a new kegged beer for my bar…It’s a small brewpub in Sussex NJ and it’s called “Killer Joe” (named after the Jazz tune so I had to check it out). I’d liken it to a Bass or a Yuengling (in good season). Very amber, very malty, very tasty. Not a heavy body though but nice with cheese and crackers. Can only get one every six months but it’s cool to have a local brewery in my bar.
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