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Sisyphus

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Complex citrus notes from a generous portion of hops are balanced by rich toffee from the malt, and the strength brings warmth. Inspired by the labor-intensive process of brewing it in the original brewhouse, Sisyphus was Real Ale's first seasonal release and moved into the year-round lineup by popular demand. It is vintage-dated, at 10.5% ABV and 75 IBU.

ABV
10.5%
Bitterness
Very bitter75 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
amber14
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
citrusyhoppycaramel
citrusy
hoppy
caramel
malty
dark fruit
Aroma
The nose leads with bright citrus notes—orange peel and lemon—from the generous hop charge, layered beneath those are warming alcohol vapors typical of the 10.5% ABV.
not found:juicy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Sisyphus

◎ Appearance

Deep amber to light copper in color, reflecting the 14 SRM with clarity that allows light to pass through without haze. The head forms with moderate density and persists with fine lacing that clings to the glass as you drink. Carbonation is moderate, appropriate to the barleywine's full body.

deep amberclearpersistent lacingmoderate carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with bright citrus notes—orange peel and lemon—from the generous hop charge, layered beneath those are warming alcohol vapors typical of the 10.5% ABV. Below the hop intensity sits caramel sweetness and rich toffee from the malt base, creating a complex aromatic profile that invites repeated inhalation.

citrus peelEdelhopfen-forwardcaramel sweetnessalcohol warmth

◐ Taste

The palate enters with assertive hop bitterness and citrus character that dominates the mid-palate, balanced by substantial toffee and caramel from the malt backbone. The 75 IBU provides genuine bitterness rather than harshness, and the full body carries notes of dark fruit—plum and raisin—as the flavor evolves. Alcohol warmth becomes increasingly apparent as it coats the mouth.

hoppy bitternesstoffee richnessdark fruitfull-bodiedwarming alcohol

◑ Finish

The finish is long and lingering, with hop bitterness and warmth persisting well into the aftertaste. Residual caramel sweetness and a drying character from the malt contribute to a satisfying, complex farewell.

long finishpersistent bitternesscaramel fade
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
84
Appearance
80
Finish
80
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 Sisyphus

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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 citrusy, hoppy, caramel character as Sisyphus will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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