Posted in New Releases, Widmer Brothers Brewing

Widmer Galaxy Hopped Barleywine. (Telescope not included)

The 4th beer in Widmer’s “Brother Reserve Series” has arrived – Galaxy Hopped Barleywine.  It preceeds Cherry Oak Dopplebock, Prickly Peak Braggot, & Barrel Aged Brrrbon.  The Brother’s Reserve series are small batch beers that allow the brewing Widmer’s a chance to experiment, innovate, and play with recipes.  Galaxy Hopped Barleywine is based off an English style barleywine recipe.  Widmer uses huskless malt, (malt without the crunchy shell) to enhance the beers clarity.  Belgian candi sugar for extra color & ABV boost.

From Kurt Widmer:
“From the moment we brewed our first beer, we’ve sought to create unique interpretations of beer styles, and Galaxy Hopped Barleywine Ale is a perfect example of a new take on an old favorite,” said Kurt Widmer. “A take off the strong ale style which originated in England, our barleywine is a great beer that we’re excited to bring to beer lovers nationwide.”

Style: English Barleywine
Hops: Galaxy
Taste Expectations (From the Brewer): “It features strong aromas of red and yellow fruits–such as banana, pineapple, cherry and strawberry–which come from its yeast and Galaxy Hops. The front of the taste is toffee and darkened sweet caramel with undertones of vanilla; it’s balanced by dry hops that leave a mild floral and citrus finish.”

Availability: 22oz bombers.  Individually boxed. One time release. Retail around $10

9.5% ABV

Full Release Details

PORTLAND, Ore. — March 21, 2011 Widmer Brothers Brewing has released another highly anticipated Brothers’ Reserve beer, introducing Galaxy Hopped Barleywine Ale as the fourth in its special series of limited-edition brews. The Brothers’ Reserve series showcases the brewery’s commitment to innovation and creativity in craft brewing. The one-time Galaxy Hopped Barleywine Ale release is available in very limited quantities on draught and in 22-ounce bottles at select retailers nationwide.

“From the moment we brewed our first beer, we’ve sought to create unique interpretations of beer styles, and Galaxy Hopped Barleywine Ale is a perfect example of a new take on an old favorite,” said Kurt Widmer. “A take off the strong ale style which originated in England, our barleywine is a great beer that we’re excited to bring to beer lovers nationwide.”

The Brothers’ Reserve Series is a showcase of the innovative skills and creative passion for craft brewing that founders and brothers Kurt and Rob Widmer share. The Brothers’ Reserve beers are one-of-a-kind, and each run is extremely limited in quantity. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. Galaxy Hopped Barleywine Ale was preceded in the series by Cherry Oak Doppelbock, introduced in fall 2009; followed by Prickly Pear Braggot, released in spring 2010; and Barrel Aged Brrrbon, released in fall 2010.

“At Widmer Brothers, we’re always experimenting with new recipes, and the Brothers’ Reserve Series brings some of our most innovative concoctions to market,” said Rob Widmer. “We love craft brewing, we love great beer, and our hope is that we’re able to share that passion through the beers released in this series.”

About Galaxy Hopped Barleywine Ale

Hopped Barleywine Ale is the first Brothers’ Reserve Series beer for 2011 and pours a dark crimson, nearly mahogany colo Galaxy r. It features strong aromas of red and yellow fruits–such as banana, pineapple, cherry and strawberry–which come from its yeast and Galaxy Hops. The front of the taste is toffee and darkened sweet caramel with undertones of vanilla; it’s balanced by dry hops that leave a mild floral and citrus finish.

Beer Stats

·         Bitterness: 60 IBU

·         Alcohol by Volume: 9.5 percent

·         Original Gravity: 24.0° plato

Twenty-two ounce bottles of Widmer Brothers’ Galaxy Hopped Barleywine Ale are exclusively packaged in individual boxes for a suggested retail price of $9.99.

About Widmer Brothers Brewing

What started as a dream for two ordinary brothers who just loved beer has now become a reality for two ordinary brothers who still just love beer. Kurt and Rob Widmer helped lead the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement in 1984 when, in their twenties, they dreamed of brewing American interpretations of authentic European-style beers. In 1986, Widmer Brothers Brewing introduced the first American-style Hefeweizen; today, the unfiltered cloudy beer is the company’s signature brew and one of the best selling wheat beers in the country. Based in Portland, Ore., the brewery currently brews a variety of beers including Drifter Pale Ale, Nelson Imperial IPA, Drop Top Amber Ale and Pitch Black IPA. For more information about Widmer Brothers Brothers