To commemorate 18 years of brewing exceptional mountain beers, Bright Brewery is releasing a luxurious barleywine aptly named ‘Decadence’.

“Eighteen years ago, we set out to brew beers that captured the spirit of adventure in the mountains we call home,” says Lewis Kerr, Head Brewer at Bright Brewery. “Decadence Barleywine is a culmination of that journey. At 16% ABV, it’s luxuriously smooth and rich with caramel, hints of fortified wine, and playful pops of candy. As you savour it, deeper notes of raisins and prunes emerge, a testament to the dedication and complexity we’ve poured into every Bright Brewery adventure.”

The brewery’s story began in 2003 with the purchase of land for their current location on the Great Alpine Road. From brewing their first batches at Jamieson Brewery in 2004 to finally opening their doors in mid-2006, Bright Brewery has remained a 100% family-owned independent craft brewery focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of the surrounding high country region.

So, what is a barleywine? “A barleywine is essentially a beer that is brewed with one or two base malts without being too complex in the base, but you’re relying on the sweetness and the ABV to bring it through, much like a wine itself”, said Lewis on the The Coolroom Podcast.

“The ABV is pushing through anywhere from 10-18% depending on the brewery. You are relying on the sweetness and the body and the high-finishing alcohol to carry it through to hold it’s place side by side with a wine”, he said.

Will Ziebell from Craftypint.com describes Decadence as “decadent from every angle, with ripe and decadent fruit notes of banana, pineapple, and apricot. There’s also decadently sweet layers of honeycomb and golden syrup, while a somewhat oxidative quality and further dark fruits notes bring the beer into decadent dessert wine territory.”

Decadence Barleywine is a limited-edition release and available exclusively online now in 4 x 355ml cans or at the Bright Brewery venue on tap / take away.