Barrel-Aged Craft Beer

With so many types of craft beer to explore, BOB has noticed a lot of buzz recently about barrel-aged beer. In fact, almost every brewery in America now offers a barrel-aged beer. Many craft brewers have experimented with different woods, aging durations and additions to the barrel, such as fruit and spice.

A barrel-aged beer is any lager, ale or hybrid beer that has been aged in a wooden barrel, or in contact with wood, to impart the unique character of the wood and/or to influence the flavor and aromatics of the craft beer. Although oak is probably the most popular wood utilized, some use apple, alder, and hickory, among others. The beer can be aged in a new barrel, or one that was previously used to age wine or spirits, or some use chips, spirals and cubes to the conditioning tanks that house the beer.

Your local beer store most likely has several barrel-aged beer offerings. If you haven’t ventured out into the world of barrel-aged beer, here are a few recommendations from BOB.

Curmudgeon’s Better Half by Founders Brewing Company

Originally bottled in 2012, Curmudgeon’s Better Half is the fifth release in Founders Brewing Company’s 2018 Barrel-Aged Series. This smooth, old ale brewed with molasses is aged in bourbon barrels that previously held maple syrup. This brew is sweet, rich and utterly delicious, boasting a 12.7% ABV and 35 IBUs. Available in 12oz bottles, 750ml Belgian-style bottles and on draft.

Founders Brewing Curmudgeon’s Better Half aged ale in glass bottle

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Troegenator by Tröegs Brewing

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Troegenator is an alternative take on the original Troegenator and one you don’t want to miss. After spending six months in bourbon barrels, this Double Bock develops notes of vanilla, oak and toasted coconut. With a 10.8% ABV and 25 IBUs, this beer is sold only in 375ml Cork & Cage Belgian-style bottles.

Troegs Brewing Bourbon Barrel-Aged Troegenator Double Bock in glass bottle

Whiskey Barrel Stout by Boulevard Brewing Company

Full-bodied yet approachable, Whiskey Barrel Stout from Boulevard Brewing Company is part of the Smokestack Series. With flavors of vanilla, espresso, whiskey, chocolate and roasted grain balanced by hints of date and plum, this beer combines freshly brewed stout with portions aged up to a year in whiskey barrels. It carries an 11.8% ABV and 32 IBUs, packaged in 500ml bottles.

Boulevard Brewing Whiskey Barrel Stout in 500ml glass bottle

Black Note by Bell’s Brewery

Bell’s Black Note Stout is one of the most sought-after stouts in Bell’s history. Aged in freshly retired oak bourbon barrels, this blend of Expedition Stout and Double Cream Stout delivers notes of dark chocolate, espresso and dried fruits. Packaged in 12oz glass bottles with an impressive shelf life.

Bell’s Brewery Black Note Stout aged in bourbon barrels

Glass Packaging for Barrel-Aged Beers

Breweries package barrel-aged beers in glass bottles for their premium shelf appeal, sustainability, and cellar-worthiness. While 750ml bottles were once the norm for sharing, smaller 375ml and 500ml formats now offer affordable, single-serving options for craft beer enthusiasts.

If you are looking for bottles to package your barrel-aged beer, BOB offers 375ml, 500ml and 750ml glass bottles made in the U.S. Stay tuned for the launch of BOB’s newest 500ml bottle coming soon!

Cheers!
BOB

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