The Beer Traveller

Barley John’s Brew Pub was the polar opposite of Town Hall regarding looks.  It appeared to be a little cafe/sub shop up on a lil’ hill outside of downtown. Quaint is good!  Inside appeared to be a converted diner, but behind the bar was pure brew pub.  Samples were larger (6 oz) than usual & served in Pilsner glasses.

Jim started me off & said he was fairly new here.  That didn’t change the fact that I bombarded him with questions hoping to get answers.  Later he tagged Hultman (yea, it took me a few times to get this right) in.  Hultman had a wealth of knowledge having been there for a while; he also was a big beer advocate.

Unfortunately they too were out of a couple of their beers. They could only provide me w/ 3 samples, but the 13.5% Dark Knight Barley Wine made up for alcohol consumption. Unlike some of the other Barley’s I’ve had, this reaked of booze & tasted like a mix drink.  Aroma alone will get you railing.  They call it Dark Knight…I’m thinking more like Dark forgetful night.  Hultman informed me that the yeast is the tricky part when brewing this AV%.  Something Sam Adams specializes in.

Wild Brunette had a unique, but tasteful, flavor due to the use of MN wild rice.  Now we all know bud has been known to use rice, but Barley John’s does it right.  Highlight of the trip was the Old Eight Porter.  Perfect combo of chocolate & roastiness w/o tasting burnt.  This one gets an Exceptional, while the Wild Brunette gets a Likable, & Dark Knight receives a drunkable Drinkable.

Another thanks to Hultman & Jim.  Wishing this place had more of their beers as I’m pretty sure I would have been pleased.