Having been terribly disappointed with this, I now move on to my second Machine House beer the 2025 Barleywine.

Pour gives a great looking, two-finger head that lingers. Some lace, and a great film across the body on settling. Body has a copper hue that varies with intensity with the light.

Plenty of malty brown sugar on the nose.

Tastes are classically within the style parameters, with perhaps a slightly more pronounced bitter/hop based ending than some. The alcohol is simultaneously present but controlled, always a great way to judge an English Barleywine. In the mid-palate there is a nice combination of drying, American Red ale followed by a warming, alcohol soaked sugaryness that reminds one of where this beer truly lives. The beer ends gently, melding different elements together.

Plenty of enduring style elements here, with the competition between hops and sweetness and great warming alcohol.

Even though this style is one that I don’t favor very often, this is a nice example of it, and sits solidly in the parameters. Nice beer if you’re looking for such a thing.