Galway Bay Boulevardier 2022

Technical Details

A rare, no-longer-produced collaboration between Galway Bay Brewery and Browar Stu Mostów of Wrocław, Boulevardier 2022 is a barrel-aged Barleywine inspired by the classic cocktail of the same name. Brewed as a double-mash wort in 2018 and matured for four years in select Bourbon and Vermouth casks, the 2022 release blends that mature cask-aged Barleywine with a portion of young Barleywine for a bright citrus-hop lift. At 11.3% ABV, it is a sipping beer built for the long evening.

Tasting Profile

Pours deep amber to mahogany with a fine, lasting head. The nose opens on dried fig, dark caramel and toffee, layered with bourbon-cask vanilla and the herbal, faintly bittersweet character drawn from the vermouth casks. The palate is full and unctuous — molasses, candied orange, oak and a touch of sherried fruit — lifted by a fresh citrus-hop kick that keeps the 11.3% beautifully balanced. The finish is long, warming and gently spirituous.

Food Pairing

A natural match for bold, mature flavours: blue cheese, aged Comté or a sharp farmhouse Cheddar. It also stands up to rich desserts — sticky toffee pudding, dark chocolate tart or fruitcake. Equally at home as a digestif, served lightly chilled in a small tulip glass after dinner.