Restaurant
Unclaimed profileBarley Swine
Austin, TX · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Barley Swine's beverage program is a serious, broad-minded operation. The bar menu delivers inventive cocktails with local spirits and barrel aging, while the wine list spans over 100 selections, including rare and reserve bottlings. Beer drinkers find local drafts and coveted lambics. A dedicated zero-proof menu and attentive sommelier service round out the program.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Scenic Root, featuring Still 'Barley Duck' Single Barrel and vanilla-amaro foam. For wine, try the 2020 Ca' Brusa 'Menico' Barolo. Beer enthusiasts should seek the Cantillon 'Vigneronne' lambic. Non-drinkers can enjoy the Lemongrass Pineapple Refresher.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts appreciate creative, seasonal ingredients and barrel-aged pours. Wine lovers value the extensive list and reserve options. Beer geeks will find rare Belgian lambics. The zero-proof menu and complimentary non-alcoholic wine make it welcoming for non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- Anytime the full bar menu is available; the reserve wine list is accessible via email, suggesting planning for special occasions. The sommelier's service is noted for enhancing the experience.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $17 to $20. Wine by the glass is $12-$35, bottles from $57 to $137. Beers range from $6 for non-alcoholic to $75 for large-format lambics. Non-alcoholic drinks are $6-$14.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The program's ambition shows in details: barrel-aged cocktails, a wine list with reserve Burgundies and Bordeaux, and rare lambics from Cantillon and 3 Fonteinen. Local spirits like Still the 'Barley Duck' anchor the cocktails, and the sommelier's praised service adds a human touch.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Eight cocktails with creative infusions (peach whiskey, shishito tequila, snap pea gin) and two barrel-aged options. Local Still whiskey features prominently.
Menu strengths
- — Creative, seasonal ingredients; Barrel-aged cocktails and local spirits
Standout selections
- — Holy Smokes: Peach-infused Japanese whiskey, pineapple amaro, lemon, lime, honey, mint ($17)
- — Scenic Root: Still 'Barley Duck' single barrel, Lustau brandy, root beer syrup, vanilla-amaro foam ($20)
- — Barrel Aged Kentucky Colonel: Old Granddad Bonded, Benedictine, Angostura bitters ($20)
Pricing: Cocktails range from $17 to $20.
Wine
Over 100 selections across sparkling, white, red, and dessert wines from major global regions. Includes rare and reserve offerings; sommelier Kristen praised for service.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive and diverse list with reserve wines; Knowledgeable sommelier service
Standout selections
- — 2020 Ca' Brusa 'Menico' Barolo, Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont ($35/$137)
- — 2018 Leduc Frouin 'Grand Clos' Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, Coteaux du Layon ($12)
- — Nv El Maestro Sierra Oloroso Sherry, Jerez de la Frontera ($16)
Pricing: Wine by the glass $12-$35; bottles from $57 to $137.
Beer
Beer and cider list includes local Texas drafts, rare lambics and wild ales, plus non-alcoholic options. Strong local and international representation.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection including rare lambics; Local Texas breweries and non-alcoholic options
Standout selections
- — Cantillon 2023 'Vigneronne' Lambic, 7.5% ABV, 750ml ($75)
- — 3 Fonteinen 2022/2023 'Zenne y Frontera' Lambic, 6.8% ABV ($60)
- — Jester King 'Fertile Green' Hazy IIPA, 8% ABV ($10)
Pricing: Beer prices range from $6 to $75.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated Zero Proof menu with four creative options, including house-made sodas and non-alcoholic aperitifs.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated zero-proof menu; Complimentary non-alcoholic wine for non-drinking guests
Standout selections
- — Flower Boy: elderflower, lemon, mint, Feragaia n/a aperitif, soda ($10)
- — Lemongrass Pineapple Refresher: pineapple, lemon, lemongrass-fennel honey ($9)
- — St. Agrestis 'Phony White Negroni' ($14)
Pricing: Non-alcoholic drinks range from $6 to $14.
Spirits
No dedicated spirits list, but cocktails showcase a wide range of spirits including whiskey, tequila, gin, vodka, mezcal, rum, and amari. Local Still single barrel is featured.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirits used in cocktails; Local spirit representation
Standout selections
- — Scenic Root with Still 'Barley Duck' Single Barrel
- — Matterhorn with Fernet Branca, Braulio, Rittenhouse Rye, and aged rum
Pricing: No standalone spirits list; spirits are integrated into cocktails.
How it sits with the food
The extensive wine list and sommelier's dish introductions suggest thoughtful pairing. The cocktail list's fresh, vegetable-forward ingredients—snap pea gin, shishito-infused tequila—could complement the restaurant's seasonal tasting menu.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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