The craft beer industry is seeing an increase in the amount of barrel-aged brews breaking into the scene. These beers are distinctive from their counterparts – popular versions are aged for long increments of time in recycled whiskey, bourbon, cognac or wine barrels. But brewers don’t always use recyclable materials when crafting these special beers. New oak barrels are also used within the brewing process. We’ve sampled five barrel-aged beers from across the Northwest we think reign supreme.
Anchorage Brewing Company A Deal with the Devil || Anchorage, AK
Anchorage Brewing is one of the most recent breweries to open in Alaska and their beer is making an impact on the lower 48 states too. Owner and brewer Gabe Fletcher prides himself on crafting truly unique beers. Well, mission accomplished. A Deal with the Devil is just that – unique. This barrel-aged bevvy is a Barleywine style ale brewed with Galaxy hops. After aging for 11 months in cognac barrels it is ready for any beer enthusiast to sip.
Cascade Brewing Barrel House Cascade Sang Noir || Portland, OR
Cascade Brewing’s Barrel House in Portland has tons of different barrel-aged beers on tap. From the Sang Rouge to the Honey Ginger Lime, there is no lack of flavor combinations at Cascade Brewing. One of the barrel-aged beers is a cut above the rest though. The 2014 Sang Noir consists of a blend of different Imperial Red ales and it is aged in both bourbon and wine barrels. This sour ale highlights notes of black cherry, bourbon and port wine.
Wander Brewing Boysenberry Fruit Puncheon || Bellingham, WA
After opening their doors two years ago, Wander Brewing in Bellingham, WA has already achieved accolades for their barrel-aged brews. The Boysenberry Fruit Puncheon picked up the silver medal at the Brussels Beer Challenge. Owners Colleen and Chad Kuehl are no stranger to the barrel brewing process with over 100 different barrels lining the walls at Wander’s warehouse. The Puncheon is slightly tart with finishing flavors of cranberry and boysenberry.
Fremont Brewing Bourbon Barrel-Aged Dark Star Oatmeal Stout || Seattle, WA
Disclaimer: after you try this stout from Fremont Brewing you will find yourself sipping on nothing else this winter. Willamette, Cascade and Magnum hops are aged in bourbon barrels to guarantee this drink will keep you warm. Fremont uses 15-year-old single use Kentucky bourbon barrels in order to achieve this stout’s roasted chocolate flavor.
Pelican Pub & Brewery Mother of All Storms || Pacific City, OR
Seems we have a common theme here. Lots of beer aged in bourbon barrels. What can I say? It’s hard to ignore a good bourbon barrel-aged treat. The Mother of All Storms from Pelican Brewing is an English-style barleywine aged in authentic Kentucky bourbon barrels. Vanilla, toffee and caramel notes provide for a deliciously smooth finish.
