Modern Loyal Subjects Double Barrel Barleywine

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with waves of bourbon-soaked toffee and vanilla-laden oak, complemented by dried fig, dark caramel, and whispers of tobacco leaf. Double barrel aging imparts remarkable depth, layering rum-barrel molasses and coconut over the bourbon foundation. The palate is viscous and warming, delivering burnt sugar, toasted pecan, and dark fruit compote alongside assertive alcohol heat that remains integrated. Charred oak tannins provide structure to the syrupy body. The finish extends luxuriously, leaving lingering impressions of barrel char, butterscotch, and oxidative sherry-like complexity with gentle warming.

Food Pairing

Pair with aged Stilton or Cabrales blue cheese, where the beer’s sweetness and alcohol cut through pungent funk while oak tannins complement creamy texture. Equally magnificent alongside dark chocolate torte with salted caramel, as the dual barrel character echoes dessert complexity while balancing richness with structured bitterness and warming finish.

About Modern Times Beer

Modern Times Beer was founded in 2013 in San Diego, California, establishing itself as a distinctive voice in American craft brewing. The brewery built its reputation on a progressive philosophy that intertwines quality beer production with worker ownership and environmental consciousness, having transitioned to an employee-owned cooperative model. Modern Times became particularly renowned for their hop-forward West Coast IPAs and an exceptional portfolio of coffee-infused stouts, reflecting San Diego’s vibrant craft beer culture while pushing creative boundaries. Their brewing approach balances technical precision with experimental fermentation, producing both classic styles and innovative interpretations that garnered a devoted following. The brewery expanded beyond its original Point Loma location to include additional facilities and tasting rooms, though it faced significant challenges in recent years. Known for their distinctive retro-futuristic branding and literary references, Modern Times cultivated a unique identity in the crowded craft beer landscape. Their commitment to quality ingredients and creative recipe development, particularly in darker beer styles and hop-forward offerings, established them as an influential producer in the American craft beer movement.