New Belgium Brewing and Four Roses Bourbon have unveiled the 2021 iteration of their collaborative effort, Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale. This unique beer is crafted using a specialized infusion technique that draws out flavors from charred oak steeped in bourbon, blending them seamlessly with a malty amber ale.
Originally introduced by New Belgium in 2018, Oakspire quickly gained popularity among enthusiasts of both beer and bourbon. This year, the breweries joined forces to develop a brewing process that embodies the finest qualities of each libation.
Four Roses meticulously gathers charred oak chips from their emptied bourbon barrels over the span of a year. These chips, rich in caramelized wood sugars, imbue the bourbon with hints of brown sugar, caramel, and toffee, as well as contributing to the whiskey’s color during aging. Subsequently, a cooperage in Minnesota toasts a custom assortment of oak spirals, which are then soaked in Four Roses’ bourbon.
Simultaneously, New Belgium’s brewing experts design a series of custom stainless steel vessels to house the charred oak and bourbon-soaked spirals. The brewery’s high-rye base ale is then circulated through these vessels during maturation, allowing the flavors from the charred oak and bourbon-infused spirals to meld with the ale, resulting in a distinctive bourbon ale that has garnered a devoted following.
The beer is brewed with a blend of Pale, Munich, Caramel 80, Rye, and Roasted Barley, and is hopped with Nugget and Sabro varieties. The final product boasts an ABV of 9% and is now available for purchase at selected retailers nationwide.
To learn more about Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale and where to find it, visit the New Belgium website. The collaboration between New Belgium Brewing and Four Roses Bourbon exemplifies the innovative approach taken by craft breweries and distilleries to create unique and exciting products that appeal to a diverse audience of beverage enthusiasts.
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