Sweetwater Brewing Announces Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Press Release
ATLANTA (October 1, 2015) – SweetWater Brewing Company announces its first barrel aged release, Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, hitting shelves beginning Monday, October 5. This is the second edition from the brewery’s Cork & Cage series, a high-gravity, small-batch line-up that explores the edges of classic beer styles including barrel-aged beers, sours and wild ales. Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is a supremely rich, full-bodied imperial stout laced with subtle notes of chocolate and bourbon, acquired while aging in bourbon barrels. A big beer at 11.2%, this is the highest ABV creation SweetWater will release this year.
“The brewery has played with barrel aging for special releases at anniversary parties, tours and craft industry events, but this is the first barrel-aged beer we’ve released for sale,” says Nick Burgoyne, part of the brewing team that created the stout. “This stout is ripe for the cooler weather – it has the burly and warming characteristics of bourbon; I imagine drinking it out of a snifter by the fire. Might even have to buy a proper smoking jacket for this one.”
This dignified gent has a dark side that’s savory, with a velvety mouthfeel, robust dark chocolate and vanilla aroma, and flavors of roasted malt and char. The malt blend is 2 Row, Munich, 70/80, Roasted Barley, Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, and Black, with Columbus hops.
Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout will hit shelves beginning Monday, October 5, and will continue to be distributed throughout the year as new batches are ready. Consumers will be able to first taste the brew on Sunday, October 4, at a release party at the brewery; the first 100 guests will receive a limited edition Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout snifter – and all will enjoy a S’mores bar and watch the Atlanta Falcons game (admission is regular tour and tasting price of $10/person; see more details on SweetWater’s Facebook events page).
