Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale celebrates the best of bourbon and amber ale
When New Belgium Brewing and Four Roses Bourbon released Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale, the response was swift. Upon first pour the robust amber color enticed both bourbon lovers and beer drinkers to explore the nuance of the partnership. With this year’s release, the limited offering will be sought after as a celebration of brewer’s craft.
The connection between beer and bourbon has become more popular. While brewers can blend various hops to create a particular flavor, the bourbon barrels add their own unique characteristics. When the components combine in a spirited way, the resulting offering compels drinkers to toast to the collaboration.
Although many people enjoy sipping on a beer, the process behind how that beer arrives in the glass effects the enjoyment. While many people appreciate the combination of hops, malt and more impacts the flavor, the method that extracts those flavors is equally important.
For the Oakspire, the beer blends the characteristics of a deep amber ale with a charred oak, smooth bourbon. The resulting flavor is one that has many people running to get that bottle.
As Jared Spagnola, Specialty Brand Manager at New Belgium Brewing commented, “Demand was so high for this beer in 2021, we spent all year collecting every last bit of Four Roses char we could so that we’d have more Oakspire in market for consumers to enjoy. Trust us, whether you’re a fan of bourbon or beer, you’ll want to get a taste of Oakspire before it’s gone.”
Given that Four Roses Bourbon is known for some slightly spicy notes with a hint of fruity sweetness, those flavors blend perfectly with the sweet malty notes from the New Belgium Ale. The play between contrasts and complementary flavors makes this collaboration quite enjoyable.
As the cooler weather begins to take over, the sweet notes of toffee, vanilla and caramel are comforting. Like that cozy snuggle on the couch by the fire, it is familiar yet not overpowering. Adding in notes of dark fruit and touch of coconut, the juiciness brings a hint of whimsy and almost child-like wonder. As the robust amber color entices the eye it invites drinkers back to the glass time and again.
To achieve this elevated sip, the New Belgium high-rye based ale is infused with the Four Roses charred oak and bourbon-soaked spirals. Through a proprietary process, science blends with the art. From the first release in 2018 till today, the limited-edition release as quickly become a must for bourbon and beer lovers.
The Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale has a 9% ABV. It is available at select retailers, which can be found on the New Belgium website. In addition, Oakspire will be poured at Four Roses Distillery’s Visitor Center.