Craft beer fans are fully aware of Colorado’s Oskar Blues Brewery. The company famous for re- popularizing metal can packaging is also renowned for its amazing beer and Ten Fidy Imperial Stout ranks as one of its best. With a 96 rating on Beer Advocate and similar high ratings on other beer sites, Ten Fidy is one of the best widely available beer of its style. Now, fans of this world classic brew have a real treat in store, as Oskar Blues prepares to release Barrel Aged Ten Fidy, a beer that Oskar Blues head of brewing operations says is a ramped- up, more complex version of an already amazing beer.
“Aged through four seasons and from a blend of the top bourbons around, this Ten FIDY has morphed into a monster of cranked up flavor,” said Matthews. “Espresso, burnt sugar, rich chocolate, and caramel notes are now combined with the vanilla, oak, and bourbon flavors and all have been smoothed out during maturation.”
Barrel Aged Ten Fidy is aged in a blend of Kentucky bourbon barrels for a bigger, bolder flavor. The beer contains 12.9% alcohol by volume and will be sold on draft and in special 19.2 oz. stovepipe cans in places where Oskar Blues is presently sold. For those who happen to live near the Oskar Blues Longmont, Colorado and Brevard, North Carolina taprooms, Oskar Blues has another treat in store: Java Barrel- Aged Ten Fidy. This barrel aged brew was aged in the same manner, but with added Hotbox Roasters coffee beans from Central America, South Asia, and Ethiopia. Longmont Cellar Manager Dennis McShea says this beer is an excellent example of what can happen when you push the creative envelope.
“We took an already ridiculously complex beer and thought a bit more complexity could be fun,” said McShea. “We asked our brothers from Hotbox Roasters to come up with a special blend of beans and roast to compliment the flavors of BA Fidy. We specifically asked for a cold brew that would complement the vanilla and caramel notes from the oak but have the toughness needed to stand next to the bourbon and roast character from the barrel and the beer.”
Java Barrel Aged Ten Fidy will be available only at the two taprooms so unless you’re willing to book a flight to the east coast or Rocky Mountains, this beer will have to resign itself to you imagination. If you do happen to live close to the two taprooms, Oskar Blues has special release events planned for both locations and, if you want to attend, they would like if you would RSVP for each:
Tasty Weasel Brevard (NC) – Friday, November 4th (5-9pm)
Tasty Weasel Longmont (CO) – Saturday, November 5th (12-8pm)
Both taprooms will serve the Barrel Aged Ten FIDY and the Java FIDY during these events. Each will serve tasters, 10 oz. pours, and both stovepipe cans and Crowlers to-go with no limit on to-go beer.
It’s not easy to improve on what many already consider perfection, but that is exactly what the brewing teams have accomplished at Oskar Blues. If you live near one of the two taprooms mentioned above, good for you- click the RSVP link and let them know your intent to attend. If you don’t live near these locations but want to sample a can or draft of the Bourbon Barrel Aged Ten Fidy, be sure to consult the Oskar Blues beer finder at www.oskarblues.com/beerfinder. It’s a one- time release so be prepared to get your hands on a glass or can of this beer while supplies last.
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