Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine 2024 is the latest edition of a renowned American Barleywine that has captivated beer enthusiasts since its introduction in 1983. This beast of a beer is known for its massive malt body and aggressive hop bitterness, a combination that sets it apart from many other barleywines. Brewed with whole-cone Pacific Northwest hops and a robust malt bill, Bigfoot is packed with intense flavours and aromas, making it a standout in the world of craft beer.
Bigfoot pours a striking ruby-brown colour with a frothy tan head. On the nose, you'll notice a complex blend of pine resin, citrus, caramel, and dried fruits. The taste follows suit, delivering a full-bodied experience with layers of toffee, caramel, and candied orange peel balanced by the bitterness of piney hops. The high ABV of 9.6% gives this beer a warming finish, making it perfect for sipping slowly. Over time, Bigfoot’s flavours evolve, making it ideal for cellaring and aging, where it develops new layers of complexity.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Pours a deep ruby-brown with a thick, tan head that lingers and leaves significant lacing on the glass.
- Aroma: The aroma is bold and piney, with notes of caramelised sugars, dried fruit, citrus, and hints of toffee.
- Flavour: Rich caramel malts, toffee, and dried fruit dominate the flavour, balanced by a strong bitterness from the whole-cone hops, which adds a layer of pine and resinous notes. The finish is long, bitter, and warming.
- Mouthfeel: Full-bodied with moderate carbonation, this beer has a smooth, almost chewy mouthfeel, with a finish that leaves you wanting more.
Brewery Information
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., founded in 1980 in Chico, California, has long been a pioneer in the American craft beer scene. Known for its innovation and commitment to quality, the brewery has created several iconic beers, with Bigfoot being one of its most celebrated offerings. Released annually since 1983, Bigfoot is highly regarded for its cellarability. Over time, its bold hop character mellows, allowing the rich malt flavours to deepen and evolve, much like a fine wine.
Sierra Nevada has received numerous awards and accolades for its beers, and Bigfoot continues to be a favourite among beer enthusiasts for its intense flavour profile and its potential for aging.
Food Pairings
The robust flavours of Bigfoot Barleywine 2024 make it an ideal companion to hearty dishes such as roasted meats, game, and rich stews. Its bold hop bitterness also makes it a great pairing with blue cheese or a sharp cheddar. For a sweet pairing, try it with a dessert that has rich caramel or toffee elements, such as sticky toffee pudding or a caramel tart, where the beer's sweetness and bitterness will complement the dessert perfectly.
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