Specialty Wood-Aged Beer

A beer aged in a wood vessel that previously held another beverage, adding that beverage's flavor complexity. Common vessels include bourbon, wine, and sherry barrels.

Base beer character combined with wood notes and the previous vessel's beverage (bourbon, wine, sherry, rum, etc.). Vanilla, caramel, and oak typical from bourbon barrels. Complex layered aromatics.

Color from base beer, often deep amber to dark brown from barrel spirit. Clear. Head per base style, often smaller due to high alcohol. Rich and complex appearance.

Complex flavor combining base beer with previous vessel character. Bourbon barrel adds vanilla, caramel, oak. Wine barrel adds fruity, vinous complexity. Layered and well-integrated flavors.

Depends on base style and barrel. Spirit barrels typically add warming alcohol sensation and slight tannins. Full and smooth.

Inspired by Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout (1992) experiment of aging imperial stout in old Bourbon barrels, the specialty wood-aged category expanded rapidly in the 2000s-2010s. Brewers began using wine, rum, brandy, and other barrels to add unique flavors. Now a premium segment with significant collector demand.

What is Specialty Wood-Aged Beer beer?

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (BJCP 33B) — a beer aged in used spirit or wine barrels.

What is the ABV of Specialty Wood-Aged Beer?

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of varies.

How bitter is Specialty Wood-Aged Beer beer?

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer measures varies IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of Specialty Wood-Aged Beer beers?

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout, Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout), Dogfish Head World Wide Stout, Firestone Walker Sucaba