New Holland Brewing Releases Dragon’s Milk Reserve Vanilla Chai
05 Jan 2016 --- New Holland Brewing Co. has taken its top-selling, year-round, bourbon barrel stout – Dragon’s Milk – and infused it with flavors of Vanilla Chai.
The Michigan-based brewery is releasing its first 2016 “reserve” batch of Dragon’s Milk to markets around the country with Dragon’s Milk Reserve Vanilla Chai shipping from New Holland’s production facility by the end of January and hitting stores and local watering holes soon after. This reserve blend is aged in bourbon barrels for three months, with the nuanced flavor of Vanilla Chai for a portion of that time.
“This reserve batch of Dragon’s Milk scored great marks when we quietly pub-tested it this Fall,” says Brett VanderKamp, president of New Holland. “The rich vanilla and chocolate notes of Dragon’s Milk with the layered flavor of Vanilla Chai – it’s so unique and so complementary.”
This reserve release kicks off a new release schedule for Dragon’s Milk Reserves as New Holland will release four variations quarterly in 2016, as opposed to all at once as was done in 2015. The 2015 releases sold out in record time— moving to quarterly releases allows for double, or even triple, the amount of each reserve to be brewed and offered.
The second quarter release will be Dragon’s Milk Reserve with Coffee and Chocolate. A crowd favorite from the 2015 release, this reserve will be back and bigger than ever (in quantity) for those who didn’t get their fill. More information on future reserve releases and their flavor profiles will be provided as 2016 unfolds. All reserves will be released through all locations in which New Holland distributes.
First released in 2001, Dragon’s Milk was one of the early bourbon barrel-aged stouts in the US. The barrel-aging scene has since exploded. Once a single-batch annual release, Dragon’s Milk has become New Holland’s largest selling year-round beer, gaining accolades and recognition internationally, including a silver medal in the Brussels Beer Challenge.
In 2015, New Holland renovated its production facility to expand its Dragon’s Milk cellar where more than 3,500 oak barrels can reside at one time.
“We’re looking forward to releasing the Vanilla Chai reserve,” says VanderKamp. “And the 2016 releases will definitely be an exciting and busy time in the brewhouse. These small runs of Dragon’s Milk are both to satisfy the creativity of our brewers, but also the palates of our fans. PS – keep an eye out for special Dragon’s Milk surprises upcoming at the Michigan Brewer’s Guild Winter Beer Fest and other festivals throughout the year!”
