O/O Long Boil Barley Wine (2022)

Style: Barley wine
Producer: O/O Brewing
Origin: Sweden
Size: 33cl
Alcohol: 9%
Price: 70kr
Systembolaget: 3449903

O/O Brewing is a small craft brewery based in Gothenburg, founded by longtime friends and homebrewers Olle and Olof Andersson who turned their passion into a professional brewery. Originally, they brewed their beers at Stigbergets on evenings and weekends, where Olle was working. They have since moved on to their own brewing facility. Their most famous beer is Narangi IPA, which is still considered to be in the top 10 of Swedish made American IPA. This is a seasonal beer, released in the autumn.

This poured a dark amber to copper hue with a soft, off-white head. The aroma was layered with caramel, toffee and dark fruit notes, backed by hints of oak and vanilla. Once sipped it was clear that this was full bodied and warming, with a smooth sweetness balanced by subtle bitterness. Flavours of dried figs, burnt sugar and light spice developed on the palate and lasted long into the aftertaste. The alcohol was noticeable but added to the complexity whilst warming the chest.

Overall, this was a beautifully rounded barley wine that had continued to improve with age. Rich fruit combined delightfully with the sweet notes to produce a potent yet delicious taste. A delightful barley wine to have in any tasting!