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Mother of all Storms

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Toasted malt, bourbon and oak carry the deep flavor, with whispers of vanilla, toffee and caramel in the finish. It is based on Stormwatcher's Winterfest, the brewery's English-style barleywine, and ages a year in Kentucky bourbon barrels. At 14% ABV and 40 IBU it is released each November and December, best enjoyed with winds above 60 mph.

ABV
14%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter40 IBU
Roasted bitterness
SRM
amber14
PaceSipper

AWARDS

Silver · 2013
European Beer Star
Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer
Silver · 2012
European Beer Star
Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer
★Silver — European Beer Star (Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer)
★Silver — European Beer Star (Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
roastedoakvanilla
roasted
oak
vanilla
caramel
malty
dark fruit
Aroma
Toasted barleywine malts dominate the nose, supported by prominent bourbon and charred oak from a year in Kentucky barrels.
not found:hoppy,bready,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Mother of all Storms

◎ Appearance

Deep amber to brown in color, holding a dense tan head with strong adhesion to the glass. The body is clear and luminous when held to light, with a viscous, oily character that clings to the sides. Carbonation is moderate and purposeful, befitting the beer's contemplative nature.

deep amber-browndense tan headoily viscosity

◌ Aroma

Toasted barleywine malts dominate the nose, supported by prominent bourbon and charred oak from a year in Kentucky barrels. Vanilla and toffee notes emerge gradually, with hints of caramel and brown sugar underneath. Alcohol warmth is present but well-integrated, creating an inviting complexity.

toasted maltsbourbon oakvanilla, toffeewarm alcohol

◐ Taste

The palate opens with rich, roasted malt sweetness and immediately encounters the structural frame of oak and bourbon influence. Mid-palate develops layers of toffee, caramel, and dark fruit—plum and raisin—while residual sweetness remains balanced by gentle bitterness at 40 IBU. Full-bodied and warming, the beer coats the mouth with a luxurious, almost syrupy character.

roasted malt sweetnessoak, bourbon backbonedark fruitcaramel, toffee

◑ Finish

The finish is long and evolving, with vanilla and oak lingering well after the swallow. Alcohol warmth builds gradually, leaving a dry, slightly woody aftertaste that invites contemplation.

long, warming finishvanilla oak fade
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
89
Appearance
86
Finish
87
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 Mother of all Storms

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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 roasted, oak, boozy character as Mother of all Storms will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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