Stone Barrel Brewing Bear Hug

Name: Stone Barrel Brewing Bear Hug
Brand: Beer
SKU: 62544a841603da817e17caff
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 3.72 (246 reviews)

American Barleywine 9 º

Stone Barrel Brewing

Bear Hug is a powerful American Barleywine that balances aggressive hop character with deep malt richness. The use of Simcoe and Amarillo hash provides an intense sensory layer of pine, resin, and bright grapefruit over a bready, caramel-inflected malt base. This beer offers a bold, chewy body with a velvety texture that carries its 9% ABV with a smooth, integrated warmth. The bitterness is firm and persistent, cutting through the residual sweetness of the specialty malts. It is a contemplative sipper where the citrusy and earthy hop oils from the Amarillo and Simcoe hash shine against a backdrop of toasted bread and light stone fruit esters.

Appearance. Deep amber to copper with distinct ruby highlights. It features a moderately large, light tan head with fair retention and slight lacing. Clarity is good, though a slight haze may be present due to the heavy dry-hopping with hop hash.

Aroma. High intensity with assertive hop aromas of pine, resin, and citrus zest. The malt profile is rich and grainy with notes of toasted bread and light caramel. Low to moderate fruity esters resembling dried apricot are present, alongside a clean, well-integrated alcohol presence.

Taste. The initial impression is a massive wave of hop bitterness and flavor—specifically grapefruit, resin, and earthiness. This is supported by a robust, malty sweetness featuring toasted bread and subtle caramel notes. The balance remains firmly bitter despite the malt backbone. The finish is moderately dry with a lingering hop resin and warming alcohol aftertaste.

Mouthfeel. Full-bodied and chewy with a luscious, velvety texture. Carbonation is moderate. A noticeable but smooth alcohol warmth is present, enhancing the sensory experience without becoming solventy or harsh.

Sensory Profile.