Whiskey Hill Brewing Opus Reserve | Triple BA English Barleywine 19.5%

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

4.7Untappd

Opus Reserve from Whiskey Hill Brewing pours a deep mahogany-brown with burgundy highlights, forming a modest tan head that settles into a fine ring with lazy, dotted lacing along the glass. At 19.5% ABV, this triple barrel-aged English barleywine commands immediate attention on the nose, delivering an intoxicating layered bouquet of crème brûlée, oatmeal raisin cookie, rich toffee, dried dark fruits, and a prominent bourbon-and-cognac barrel character underpinned by gooey caramel and a whisper of vanilla brulee. On the palate, the mouthfeel is velvety and full-bodied — dangerously smooth for its immense strength — with waves of dark molasses, chocolate fudge, spice cake, raisin, and dried plum cascading across the tongue.

Barrel tannins provide just enough structure to temper the generous sweetness, while the triple-aging in both bourbon and cognac casks weaves a warm, luxurious boozy depth that feels integrated rather than aggressive. The finish is long, warming, and richly sweet with lingering cognac and toasted barrel notes. Best enjoyed in a snifter at cellar temperature; equally compelling fresh or with extended cellaring. Discover this exceptional release on Untappd: https://untappd.com/b/whiskey-hill-brewing-opus-reserve/5924087

Food Pairing

Whiskey Hill Opus Reserve English Barleywine pairs magnificently with a wedge of aged Comté or Mimolette — the crystalline, nutty richness of the cheese mirrors the beer’s caramel and cognac depth. For a decadent dessert pairing, serve alongside a dark chocolate and sea-salt tart; the bittersweet cocoa amplifies the molasses and toffee notes while the salt cuts through the beer’s generous residual sweetness.

Whiskey Hill Brewing Opus Reserve — Triple Barrel-Aged English Barleywine