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Arctic Devil

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Malt takes the lead in this English-style barley wine, mellowed by months in oak barrels, some of which once held port, wine or whiskey. It is typically brewed in January, blended after ageing and released on the Friday after Thanksgiving. 13.2% ABV, 20 IBU. The name honours the wolverine of the north.

ABV
13.2%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter20 IBU
SRM
amber14
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
maltyoakcaramel
malty
oak
caramel
dark fruit
Aroma
The nose is dominated by rich Malz character—toasted grain, caramel, and subtle biscuit notes form the foundation.
not found:hoppy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Arctic Devil

◎ Appearance

Arctic Devil presents a deep copper to mahogany hue, reflecting its extended oak maturation and caramel malt backbone. The beer displays good clarity with a modest, persistent head that leaves delicate lacing on the glass. Carbonation is restrained, befitting the barleywine's contemplative nature.

deep copperclearfine lacinglow carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by rich Malz character—toasted grain, caramel, and subtle biscuit notes form the foundation. Oak aging introduces warm vanilla, gentle spice, and whispers of wine and port influence without overwhelming the malt. Alcohol warmth is present but measured, with only faint dark fruit undertones.

toasted maltoak vanillacaramelport influence

◐ Taste

Malt occupies the palate entirely: a full-bodied sweetness of dark caramel and toasted grain flows across the tongue, mellowed by months in oak barrels. The bitterness remains low and restrained, allowing the oak's subtle tannins and lingering whiskey notes to provide structure without harshness. Dark fruit and boozy warmth build gradually without dominating.

malt-forwardcaramel sweetnessoak tanninswarming alcohol

◑ Finish

The finish is long and creeping, with malt sweetness and oak spice fading slowly into a dry, slightly warming aftertaste. Residual alcohol heat persists gently, inviting contemplation rather than quick consumption.

long finishdrywarming
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
85
Appearance
80
Finish
78
Serve at 12–16°C

Serve at 12–16°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Excellent cellar candidate — can age 3–10 years, developing dried fruit, toffee and sherry notes.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Arctic Devil

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About Barleywine

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Barleywine?

Barleywine is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Barleywine

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, oak, smooth character as Arctic Devil will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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