Barley days, despite sharing names with my bigger dog (Barley), is a brewery I know little about, and have little experience with. I’ve had their Harvest Gold Pale Ale at a tasting, and while it was tame, it was pleasant. They are located in Prince Edward County, and that’s about the extent of my knowledge. Let’s get to know them better.
Barley, the good looking mongrel
This is my Dog, Barley. He is an adopted mixed-breed, so we have no way to know, but we suspect he is a mix of Golden Retriever, Collie, and Malamute. Just a theory, though. He’s remarkable, both for his good looks and lack of intelligence. Good natured, though.
Wind & Sale Dark Ale - Barley Days Brewery
From a 341ml bottle found in the breaker basket at Queens Quay LCBO, (no freshness date, but it might have been on the box), the beer is deep brown, nearly opaque in the middle. A decent head fades to a ring and a bit of film pretty quickly. Aroma is very malty, caramel and pumpernickel bread and just a hint of hops. Taste is more molasses and also a good dose of nuts. There is a hint of chocolate in the flavour as well, and it finishes with a bitter dose of hops, no particular flavour, just a nicely drying effect. The beer is actually a bit thin in the mouth, with a pretty moderate carbonation, almost like a stout. It’s very drinkable, especially on a grey day like today. I like this, I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to find it, but would happily buy it again, and would order it if I found it out and about.
