Dick's Brewing Company - Barley Wine

It's our pleasure to bring you one of Dick's limited-production beers, their delicious Barely Wine. This nearly 10% ABV brew pours a deep red color with a head of khaki foam, and offers up a big and bold aroma profile that's both malty and hoppy. Look for rich caramels, a hint of molasses or brown sugar, an impression of spice cake, gorgeous fruitiness conjuring dried fig and raisin, touches of aromatic wood, and a mild citric impression which merges with the spiciness to offer brightness and lift. On the palate, there's no denying there's a big malty core here, with more roastiness than we picked up initially on the nose. Significant residual sweetness is present, but 70 IBUs of hop bitterness easily counterbalance it, making the overall impression somewhat dry, especially in the lingering finish where those hops hold on and won't let go. Additional citric acidity and spicy alcohol also add balance and intrigue. The generous caramel and fruit character here will make a delightful companion to various dessert pairings, and the roasty character could invite some chocolate to the party. Strong aged or bleu cheeses will also work as they can stand up to the beer's power. Alternatively, we love to enjoy brews like this on their own as the evening winds down, so as you like it! This brew should also easily be capable of extended cellaring, so feel free to set a few bottles down and check in every few months or so. As it ages, we'd expect hop character to retreat while sherry-like oxidative notes may appear. Cheers!/p>

The story of Dick's Brewing Company goes back to the founding of Northwest Sausage & Deli by Dick Young in 1983. Having spent his adult life in the meat business, working at Chehalis' Midway Meats in high school and founding Dick's Meats in Rochester after graduation, Dick had made the decision to specialize in producing and smoking sausages and other meats. Not long after opening, he started selling sandwiches at the facility, turning it into a destination for those looking for high-quality grub and leading him to his next venture: brewing.

Unable to remain still for long, Dick began homebrewing in a major way in 1984, eventually building a 3-barrel brewing system in the back of the deli. By 1992, the popularity of his homebrew (he was exceeding the legal homebrewing production limits) led him to the decision to open his own dedicated brewing company, which opened its doors as Dick's Brewing Company in 1994. A brewhouse was built next to the deli and production was located there until 2008. In that year, Dick opened a new, larger brewhouse, followed by a Tasting Room on premises in 2009.

Sadly, Dick passed away at his cabin that same year, but the family business is still going strong under the leadership of his daughter, Julie Pendleton. The brewery produces seven year-round brews plus five seasonals and a variety of limited-production beers. Dick's original 3-barrel brewing system is still used for pilot batches to this day. For more info on the brewery or NW Sausage & Deli, call 360-736-1603 or visit them at dicksbeer.com.