Malt aroma & flavor
Residual malty sweetness is high
British Origin Ale Styles
British-Style Barley Wine Ale
Ale · Tawny copper to deep red/copper-garnet
What to expect
Malt character: Residual malty sweetness is high. Hop character: Hop aroma and flavor are very low to medium. English type hops are often used but are not required for this style.
Reading guide · The complete guideline attributes below preserve the source’s qualifications.Color · SRM
11–36
Pale / strawBlack
Tawny copper 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
40–65
Measured bitterness; perceived bitterness is described in the guideline below.
Brewers Association 2026 · Printed guideline page 7 · PDF page 16. Color graphics are illustrative.
The guideline, in detail
Official style attributes, including what may be present and what should be absent.
Hop aroma & flavor
Hop aroma and flavor are very low to medium. English type hops are often used but are not required for this style.
Perceived bitterness
Low to medium
Body & mouthfeel
Full
Clarity
Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
Color
Tawny copper to deep red/copper-garnet
Fermentation characteristics
Complexity of alcohols and fruity ester attributes are often high and balanced with the high alcohol content. Low levels of diacetyl are acceptable. Caramel and some oxidized character (vinous aromas or flavors) may be considered positive attributes.
Technical specifications, including gravity
Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.085-1.120 (20.4-28 °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) 40- 65 • Color SRM (EBC) 11-36 (22-72 EBC)