In a much-anticipated announcement, New Belgium Brewing and Four Roses Distillery are set to once again delight beer and bourbon enthusiasts with the 2023 release of Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale. This innovative and distinctive beer has garnered a dedicated following since its debut in 2018, and this year's release promises to take the experience to new heights.
Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale is a unique creation that marries the world of beer and bourbon using a proprietary infusion method. The process begins with the collection of charred oak chips from inside Four Roses' bourbon barrels as they are emptied over the course of a year. These chips contain caramelized wood sugars, which bring delightful notes of brown sugar, caramel, and toffee, adding both flavor and color to the aging bourbon.
To enhance the infusion, a barrel maker in Minnesota toasts a special blend of oak spirals, which are then soaked in Four Roses' bourbon, a brand known for its smooth, fruit-forward, and slightly spicy bourbons. Simultaneously, New Belgium's team of brewing engineers constructs custom stainless steel vessels designed to house the charred oak chips and bourbon-soaked spirals.
The heart of the Oakspire infusion lies in New Belgium's high-rye base ale, which circulates through these custom vessels during maturation. This intricate process results in a bourbon ale that is truly one-of-a-kind, capturing the essence of bourbon and beer in every sip. The final product is a deep amber, visually appealing beer with an alcohol content of 9%.
What sets Oakspire apart is its intricate blend of ingredients. The beer is brewed with a combination of Nugget and Sabro hops and features a rich malt profile consisting of Pale, Munich, Caramel 80, Rye, and Roasted Barley. This blend of ingredients results in a beer with a flavor profile that promises notes of toffee, vanilla, caramel, and subtle hints of coconut and dark fruit.
For those eager to experience the Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale, it is readily available at select retailers nationwide, offering beer enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike the opportunity to savor this exceptional collaboration. Furthermore, visitors to the Four Roses Distillery's Visitor Center in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, will have the chance to taste this exceptional creation later in the year, adding an extra layer of authenticity and connection to the process.
The collaboration between New Belgium and Four Roses has been nothing short of extraordinary. Both brands are committed to their craft, and their combined efforts bring out the best of each beverage. Ryan Ashley, Chief Operating Officer at Four Roses, noted, "Oakspire takes a different approach from the traditional bourbon barrel ale that brings the rich Four Roses flavor notes forward in quite a remarkable way." This commitment to quality and innovation has made Oakspire a standout in the world of craft beverages.
As the holiday season approaches, Oakspire offers the perfect opportunity for beer and bourbon enthusiasts to come together and enjoy a premium experience with family and friends. The unique infusion process, the dedication of two industry leaders, and the exceptional flavor profile make Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale a must-try for anyone seeking a memorable and distinctive beer-drinking experience.
Whether you're a connoisseur of bourbon or a beer aficionado, Oakspire offers a taste that is simply unparalleled. With its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship, it's no wonder that Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale continues to capture the hearts and palates of those who appreciate the art of brewing and the spirit of collaboration.
Shop Other Four Roses Spirits
About Four Roses Distillery
Four Roses Distillery is a well-respected American bourbon distillery located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The distillery has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century and is known for producing high-quality bourbon whiskey. The name "Four Roses" has become synonymous with premium bourbon and is celebrated by whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.
One of the distinguishing features of Four Roses is its unique approach to bourbon production. The distillery uses two different mash bills (grain recipes) and five proprietary yeast strains, resulting in ten distinct bourbon recipes. These recipes are blended to create a wide range of bourbon expressions, each with its own flavor profile, allowing Four Roses to offer a variety of bourbon experiences.
The core range of Four Roses includes their Yellow Label, Single Barrel, Small Batch, and Limited Edition releases. The Single Barrel and Small Batch expressions, in particular, are highly regarded for their quality and complexity. They showcase the brand's dedication to crafting well-balanced and flavorful bourbons.
Visitors to the Four Roses Distillery can experience the brand's history and craftsmanship through guided tours and tastings. The distillery is known for its picturesque Spanish mission-style architecture, which adds to the overall visitor experience.
Four Roses' unwavering commitment to quality, its unique approach to bourbon production, and its diverse range of expressions have made it a respected and beloved name in the bourbon world. The brand continues to be celebrated by bourbon enthusiasts and collectors for its rich flavors and the artistry of blending bourbon recipes.
About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company is a well-known craft brewery based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Founded in 1991 by Jeff Lebesch and Kim Jordan, New Belgium is renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative, and sustainable craft beers. The brewery has grown to become one of the largest and most respected craft beer producers in the United States.
One of the defining features of New Belgium is its focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The brewery is known for its efforts to minimize its environmental footprint, including being employee-owned and powered by renewable energy. It was also one of the first breweries to embrace recycling and waste reduction practices in its brewing operations.
New Belgium produces a diverse range of beer styles, with one of its most iconic and beloved offerings being "Fat Tire" Amber Ale. This beer, first brewed in 1991, has become a flagship product for the brewery, characterized by its balanced and approachable flavor profile. New Belgium also produces a wide variety of other styles, including IPAs, sours, and specialty releases that showcase their innovative and creative approach to brewing.
The brewery is known for its commitment to philanthropy and community involvement. They established the "New Belgium Family Foundation," which donates a portion of the brewery's profits to various charitable causes. This commitment to giving back is a central aspect of New Belgium's corporate ethos.
In 2019, New Belgium Brewing was acquired by Lion Little World Beverages, a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings Company Limited, but it continues to operate independently and maintain its dedication to quality, sustainability, and community involvement. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, this information reflects the status of New Belgium Brewing at that time. Please refer to the brewery's official website or other current sources for the most up-to-date information about the company and its operations.
