What is Barrel Aged Beer?
Brewing beer is a science, but brewing great beer is an art. In no other stage of the brewing process is this more true than when it comes to barrel-ageing.
Adding flavour and complexity by ageing beer in barrels is certainly a trend that is exploding Down Under with breweries around the country implementing barrel programs.
For those keen to discover more about this captivating brewing technique, we’ve put together a quick guide. Plus take a gander at some of our favourite barrel-aged beers!
So what is Barrel Aged BEER?
Barrel aged beer is any lager, ale or hybrid beer that has been aged in a barrel or in contact with wood. Using barrels that previously held spirits and wine, the beer absorbs the flavours creating a unique sort of aftertaste. In this process the beer also takes on the flavours of the wood, normally oak, to further enhance the aroma of the brew.
If you’re feeling a little bit spicy and adventurous there are heaps of different variations of barrel aged beers. You can age beer in barrels that used to contain gin and tequila or change up the type of wood from apple, alder, hickory and plenty more.
What I love about barrel aged beer is how bloody unpredictable it is! Working out how a beer will react in a barrel is a near impossible task as every barrel is different, with even the weather having significant impact on the brew. That means that every barrel-aged beer is, like my mum used to call me, ‘special in its own way’.
What does it taste like?
I know what you’re thinking, why would I want my beer tasting like wood? Well I’ll tell you why, the barrel expands and shrinks based on the weather pushing the beers into different pockets of the barrel. This process infuses the beer with a naturally occurring chemical in the wood called vanillin. Vanillin tastes exactly the same as it sounds and adds a sweet, rich taste to the frothy.
This magical process paired with the tastes from the barrels’ last production will create a beer unlike any you have ever tasted before. My personal favourite is a Japanese Whisky Barrel-Aged Imperial India Pale Ale, which supports my belief that the more syllables the beer name has, the better it tastes. After being aged in old whisky barrels the beer displays flavours of oak and malt while being joined by a fruity and citrus punch from the hops.
Is it worth the coin?
It’s no secret that barrel aged beers are pretty pricey ranging from $5 a bottle all the way to over $50. Even though as a beer fanatic I might be a little biased I always recommend barrel aged beers to my mates looking to get into craft beers or those poor souls that say they ‘don’t enjoy beer’.
This is because of the variety of flavour that is only really limited by the brewer’s imagination. When brewers do master this difficult process I can assure you that it leads to some of the most intense, intricate and artistic drinks in the world.
If your a man or woman that likes to brew their own beer then check out this guide on how to brew your own barrel aged beer.
Check out our FAVOURITE Barrel aged beers right now
Wolf of The Willows Persistence III Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
This release is indeed a show of Persistence, the idea being originally conceived during COVID lockdowns in 2020, it seemed more than apt to partner with The Gospel Whiskey, Australia’s only dedicated Rye Whiskey distillery. Symbolic of the time, ‘Rye’ grain continues to grow even in harshest of conditions. Just like the challenge of a maze, they all take different paths, they all hit dead ends, but with persistence they all grow and come out the other side, much like Rye does. Persistence III, part of the #barrelexchangeproject, is an exceptional Imperial Stout, brewed with a high proportion of rye malt, aged in hand selected Rye Whiskey Solera Barrels from The Gospel. The result is a multilayered, complex Imperial Stout, rich in Rye Whiskey barrel aged flavours of molasses, dark chocolate, cherry, liquorice and espresso. 12% abv
Deeds Infernal Agreement Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Before you a gruesome vision appears out of nowhere. A shadowy figure towers over you looking down with contempt. The only thing that heard your pleas has come to make a deal. You reluctantly accept the unspoken terms. Suddenly the icy wind fades, and warmth emanates from deep in your chest, spiralling out to your extremities. The beast has vanished and in its place you see a distant light through the storm. You take a step… This Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout represents the fourth and final release of the 21/22 Fray Series. It was blended from 18 handpicked barrels and conditioned on vanilla beans and fresh habanero chilli peppers. Sweet, sweet bourbon abounds with notes of chocolate, vanilla, coconut, oak, and a mildly spicy finish.
Hope Barrel Aged Extra Stout
Foreign Extra Stout is a specialty style of Stout; this style can be anything from sweet to dry. Their Extra Stout sits perfectly in the middle of the spectrum, a multi trophy-winning beer and brewery specialty. This stylish stout is a harmony of hops and malts, and barrel-aged in reclaimed French oak hogsheads to add a subtle complexity without any oaky dominance. Rich in flavour, with a deep dark colour and a moreish taste.
Craft Cartel Dark Mixed Pack
Take a Wheatwine, age it in Aquavit barrels, then add blood orange. Big, fruity, and rich, this beer was brewed in collaboration with CRUX Fermentation Project.
Keen to try more beer styles?
Why not join the Craft Cartel Beer Club from just $59 a month or quarter. Your club case includes 8 unique beers, a beer glass guide and tasting notes, so you’ll pick up interesting knowledge along the way. If you like the sound of learning more about the beers you drink, check out the club. Plus members get perks every time they shop with us, including 10% Off Storewide and Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more.