There are big beers. There are barrel-aged beers. And then there are beers like this that remind you why you fell in love with the style in the first place. Every year I look forward to seeing what comes out of the barrel room at Town Hall Brewery, and when they decide to take one of their most celebrated barleywines and give it even more time in wood, you pay attention.
Double Twisted Trace Turns It Up
Double Twisted Trace starts as Twisted Reality, already fully aged to maturity, before being moved into a second, freshly dumped bourbon barrel from a new distiller for additional aging. That extra step matters. At 15.7% ABV, this is not a casual sipper. It is built for contemplation.
Deep brown liquid fills the snifter, allowing just the slightest bit of light to penetrate at the edges of the glass. The small head of off white foam quickly fizzles away, leaving just a thin ring hugging the glass. It looks dense, rich, and serious.
The aroma immediately signals the depth to come. Berries and oak rise first, followed by waves of caramel and toffee. Warm sweet grain and raisin add a classic English barleywine character, while bourbon sweetness weaves through it all. The oak presence is firm but elegant, clearly amplified by that second barrel.
The first sip coats the palate in big malt flavor. Warm caramel and butter toffee lead the charge, followed by red berries and plump raisins. As it warms, milk chocolate notes begin to emerge alongside deeper woody tones. Each sip reveals more. The bourbon is assertive but never harsh, balancing the sweetness with structure and just enough heat. The aftertaste is packed with barrel character, showcasing the impact of that freshly dumped second cask. It adds intensity without tipping into chaos.
A Benchmark for the Style
Twisted Trace has long been one of the best English barleywines around. This double barrel version pushes it further, adding depth and complexity while remaining brilliantly balanced and, somehow, devilishly drinkable.
It is massive, layered, and luxurious. A slow sipper that rewards patience and demands respect. If you appreciate big English barleywines done right, this is as good as it gets.