Full Sail Releases Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

24 Jan 2013 --- After over a year of aging deep in the cellar of their brewhouse, Full Sail Brewing will release their 2013 vintage Bourbon Barrel Aged offering,Full Sail Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. This highly anticipated release from the Brewery’s vintage barrel series has been a Full Sail brewing tradition since 1998. Every year since, the Full Sail crew brews an imperial style dark ale and fills roughly sixty oak bourbon barrel casks, then waits patiently for a year.

According to Full Sail Brewmaster Jamie Emmerson, this beer was brewed in December of 2011 and has since aged  in Kentucky Bourbon casks from Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, Jim Beam. This extended aging presents hints of vanilla and allows the Stout to pick up the flavors of the wood, bourbon and oak. The aging combined with the robust character of the Imperial Stout make for an extraordinary and wonderful taste experience. It has a strong roasted malt character and a full body. Chocolate and caramel nuances blend with the hops for a smooth Imperial Stout. It cellars well, Limited availability in 22oz. bottles and draft. Available February 2013 until it’s gone! ABV 9.6% IBUs: 40 (Formerly known as Black Gold)

Wood barrel aging is an art form. When done right, it’s a wonderful thing. Our barrel aged beers became a Full Sail tradition when we joyfully discovered what happens when you pair vintage barrels, dedication, and patience. We rack this special beer in small batches, available in only very limited quantities. It cellars well, so if you store a few bottles in a dark, cool place and be patient, you will be rewarded for your effort and restraint. Click here to view our video “The Art & Science of Barrel Aged Beer”.

To celebrate the release of this extraordinary beer Full Sail is planning two Horizontal Tasting events that highlight the flavor components of this special brew. “Since Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is a blend of the three barrel varieties, Jim Beam, Four Roses & Maker’s Mark,  we thought it would be interesting to try a bit of each before blending, so we kegged off a very small stash of each variety for the release. Join us to celebrate the release of this very special beer and taste the nuances between the three versions and the final blend,” added Emmerson.