If you know us, and let’s face it, if you’ve been reading the eNews for long you probably have a pretty good idea of what makes the Bristol crew tick, you already know that Barley Wine is one of those of styles that really gets us excited.

Maybe it’s the heavenly, rich malts and dried fruit complexity in the nose that does it to us. For some, it might have to do with the centuries-old reputation that barley wines have as being the highest quality, most celebratory style in the brewer’s repertoire. Others (we’ll be honest since we’re among friends) get pretty revved up about the 12% ABV that the style often boasts. Still others dig it because barley wine is one of the very few beer styles suitable for cellaring (The Beerocrat, for instance, still has at least half a case of every vintage going back to 1999).

One thing everyone agrees on though, is that our Old #23 Barley Wine is not only an outstanding example of an excellent style, it’s also a poignant and touching reminder of two fantastic guys: Ralph and Chandler Bruning who both brewed for us and both raced in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with the iconic #23 that graces the label.

This year’s batch of Old #23 is almost ready and we’re giddy with anticipation. (Well, the Beerocrat is giddy — the brew house guys are, according to Head Brewer Joe, “happy and a little scared”.) At any rate, we’d like to invite you to come down and join the Bristol family in this once-a-year tradition to savor the dulcet, brandy-like tones, reconnect with old friends and raise a glass in celebration of those who can no longer be with us. We’ll release the 2009 vintage at 5:00 pm on this Friday, November 20, just in time to stock up for the holidays. Of course, we will also provide some snacks to soak up those extra ABVs. We hope you can make it.

Cheers,
Laura
The Bristol Beerocrat

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