The Swiss brewery Hoppy People has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional IPAs year after year. However, occasionally, they treat us with some barrel-aged strong ales. Hitchhike to Mars is a prime example, offering the unique flavours of a barrel-aged barleywine.
Barleywine is and old and robust beer style, first emerging in England during the 18th century. It was crafted as an alternative to wine, offering a similar strength and complexity but made entirely from malted barley. The name “barleywine” reflects its wine-like qualities, including a high alcohol content and a rich, layered flavour profile. Over time, barleywines have evolved, with American and European interpretations emphasizing either hop bitterness or malt-forward sweetness, respectively.
Hitchhike to Mars, aged in wooden barrels, takes this historical style to new heights. Its flavour profile is a harmonious blend of toffee, caramel, and dried fruit, with hints of vanilla and oak imparted by the barrel-aging process. The beer has a full-bodied richness, balanced by a warming alcohol presenc. It’s the perfect beer for sipping slowly, allowing the complex flavors to unfold and transport you on a journey as ambitious as its name suggests.