Mikkeller is a trendsetting Danish brewmaster with 3 boozy Barleywines in the Top 100 on BeerAdvocate.  Today we try two of his Barleywines: the 12% ABV citrusy Big Worst and the 15.1% ABV honey-like Big Worster.  Taste them side by side and you’ll see Mikkeller’s world-class ability showcased in these two Barleywines that are equally smooth yet boast very different flavor profiles.

Glowing a dark amber, Big Worst lets loose with orange resin waves of Cascade and Centennial Hops.  Caramelized almonds, cherries, and toffee chime in as the sap recedes.  This is the American Barleywine style in full flight - both refined and powerful.  Brown sugar glaze sparkles over bitter citrus pith that’s miraculously sweet and bitter at the same time.  

Shining bright clear yellow, Big Worster looks unlike any 15% ABV beer I’ve ever seen!  Bright honey biscuit aromas are enhanced by mellow grassy hop hints of marigold flowers.  Honey glazed hot cross buns dissolve on the palate. A note of nutty cream sherry fizzes on the tongue.  There’s no hiding the booze, but it does elegantly harmonize into sweet wildflower nuance.

These two Barleywines from an esteemed world-class brewer will cellar well for years, developing additional fruity notes as they go.  Save them for the next time your favorite sports team wins a championship or just the next time you want to impress a guest with boozy luxury.

Big Worster has 4.02 on BeerAdvocate - in the Top 100 Barleywines!