If in Doubt, Barrel Age It | A Look into the Vast Barrel Aging Program of Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co.

July 2, 2014 | Erin Petrey

As a Kentucky native, bourbon is in my blood. Needless to say, we have been barrel aging things for quite awhile. Though bourbon is not a uniquely Kentucky product (though it is a uniquely American product – one thing you can actually thank the federal government for!), many agree that the Bluegrass state does it best. Maybe it’s the limestone bedrock that adds that special blend of minerals to the water that is used to distill the spirit; or perhaps it is the Kentucky climate – with its frigid, ice-storm bringing winters and ever-so-muggy, sticky hot summers – that allows those oak barrels to expand and contract just the right amount to impart those woody, caramel, and toffee nuances from the barrel char into otherwise clear corn liquor; or maybe it is something about the Kentucky spirit that lends a warmness and hint of Southern hospitality to the things we are passionate about. Whatever it is, Kentucky bourbon is something special and the rest of America – especially the craft beer industry – has recognized that, as well.

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Lost Abbey | Deliverance

March 20, 2014 | Adam Solarz

ABV: 12.5%

This week I woke up and it felt like somebody just emptied a fistful of quarters into a Magic Fingers bed. Only I’m at home in California, not in a South Dakota Super8 circa 1978, and that means… earthquake! I’d never felt a quake before, and really it was over as soon as it started. Nothing cracked or fell, and even my pictures stayed straight on the wall. So it was mostly an excuse for folks to go all Chicken Little all over Twitter, but it was a little unsettling to think about the ground opening up and swallowing us all. What better beer to mark a “near death experience” than Deliverance from Lost Abbey.

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The Dogfather | Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

February 21, 2014 | Josh Buchanan

Laughing Dog Brewery, Sandpoint, ID

10 % ABV; 60 IBU

Bow Wow Wow Yippy Yo Yippy Yeah, it’s all about Stouts and Team USA!

It has certainly been an exciting time for Olympic Hockey enthusiasts. From the variations to rules and regulations, to the anticipation and build up of certain storylines and the actual matches themselves, there hasn’t been much to complain about…except maybe the early mornings during group play. But what better way to start the day then with the All-American Laughing Dog Dogfather. Nothing barks hair of the dog like this Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout at 7:30 AM. Who needs coffee anyway? Read More

Staying Warm with a Barrel-Aged Ultimate 6er

January 29, 2014 | Spencer Mapes

 

Unlike our friends in Denver, the rest of the nation has been getting cold. Really cold. So cold that there are swirling cyclones of polar bears flying across the country biting our faces off as soon as we walk outside. Well my friends, lets not get polar vortexed and instead stay inside and have a beer. But not just a beer, six beers, and not just beers, but barrel aged high ABV warming goodness. Let’s face it, when you want to be warm you need a drink that’s not only alcoholic, but one that has been aged in alcoholic vessels. So let’s not fool around anymore and get this barrel aged ultimate 6er started. Read More

Drinking in Style | How to Make the Perfect Mint Julep

May 3, 2013 | Erin Petrey 3

The Kentucky Derby is the king of all genteel parties (and ranks fairly high on the not-so-proper list, as well – just ask anyone spending the first Saturday in May in the infamous infield). And as all PorchDrinkers well know, no party is complete without libations. The Kentucky Derby is evocative of many iconic institutions: lavish hats, faster-than-light Thoroughbreds and, of course, the Mint Julep. After all, no Kentucky party is complete without a bit of Bourbon.

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