Malt aroma & flavor
Caramel or toffee malt aroma attributes are often present. High residual malty sweetness, often exhibiting caramel or toffee attributes, should be present.
North American Origin Ale Styles
American-Style Barley Wine Ale
Ale · Amber to deep red/copper-garnet
What to expect
Caramel or toffee malt aroma attributes are often present.
Reading guide · The complete guideline attributes below preserve the source’s qualifications.Color · SRM
11–18
Pale / strawBlack
Amber to deep red/copper-garnet · Illustrative colors on the shared, uneven SRM scale.
Explore styles overlapping this color rangeAlcohol · ABV
8.5–12.2%
Reference scale, not a limit on official guideline values.
Bitterness · IBU
60–100
Measured bitterness; perceived bitterness is described in the guideline below.
Brewers Association 2026 · Printed guideline page 15 · PDF page 24. Color graphics are illustrative.
The guideline, in detail
Official style attributes, including what may be present and what should be absent.
Hop aroma & flavor
Medium to very high, exhibiting a wide range of attributes.
Perceived bitterness
High
Body & mouthfeel
Full
Clarity
Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
Color
Amber to deep red/copper-garnet
Fermentation characteristics
Complex alcohols are evident. Fruity esters are often high. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at very low levels.
Additional guideline notes & competition context
Vinous, sherry-like, or port-like attributes arising from oxidation may be considered positive when in harmony with overall flavor profile. Low carbonation may be acceptable in this style.
Technical specifications, including gravity
Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.090-1.120 (21.6-28 °Plato) • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.024- 1.028 (6.1-7.1 °Plato) • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 6.7%-9.6% (8.5%-12.2%) • Hop Bitterness (IBU) 60- 100 • Color SRM (EBC) 11-18 (22-36 EBC)