The Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale from New Belgium is a small-batch libation being launched by the brewery to provide drinkers with a premium option to pick up this holiday season. The beer is a collaboration product created in partnership with Four Roses who supplied the brand with bourbon-steeped charred oak barrels that have been extracted using a propriety infusion method. This is reported to give the beer a malty flavor profile along with a fruit-forward taste that is on the slightly spicy side of things.
The Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale features an IBU of 27, and is crafted with a mix of nugget and Sabro hops along with malts including Pale, Munich, Caramel 80, Rye and Roasted Barley.
Small-Batch Barrel-Aged Beers
The Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale is Aged in Bourbon Barrels
Trend Themes
1. Premium Barrel-aged Beers - Craft breweries can explore collaborations with whiskey brands to create unique barrel-aged beers using proprietary infusion methods.
2. Small-batch Beverages - Creating limited release, small-batch beverages provides consumers with a unique and exclusive drinking experience.
3. Fruit-forward Flavor Profiles - Incorporating fruit-forward taste with a slightly spicy kick can create a more refreshing and complex flavor profile for beers.
Industry Implications
1. Craft Beer - Craft breweries can innovate by exploring unique collaborations with whiskey brands and experimenting with proprietary infusion methods to create premium, small-batch barrel-aged beers.
2. Whiskey - Whiskey brands can explore partnerships with craft breweries to create new collaborations that offer unique flavor profiles through the infusion of bourbon barrels into beer production.
3. Beverage - Small-batch, premium beverages are an opportunity to provide consumers with an exclusive drinking experience and create product differentiation in a crowded market.