Wood-Aged Beer

A harmonious blend of the base beer style with characteristics from aging in contact with wood. Wood character can include vanilla, toffee, toast, or coconut.

Base beer character complemented by wood-derived notes of vanilla, toast, coconut, or light tannin. The wood character should be pleasant and supportive. Possible alcohol warmth if strong base style.

Color from base style, often deeper from wood extraction. Clear. Head per base style. Possible slight darkening from wood tannins.

Base beer flavors enhanced by wood-derived vanilla, toast, coconut, or light tannin. Wood character is present but supportive. Possible slight drying from oak tannins in the finish.

Depends on base style. Oak tannins may add slight drying. Possible slight astringency from wood. Warming from alcohol.

Wood-aged beer has ancient roots — before stainless steel, all beer was aged in wooden vessels. The modern wood-aged beer category emerged when American craft brewers, inspired by the Scotch whisky industry, began intentionally aging beer in used spirit barrels. Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (1992) is credited as the pioneering example.

What is Wood-Aged Beer beer?

Wood-Aged Beer (BJCP 33A) — a beer aged in wooden barrels or on wood, adding complexity.

What is the ABV of Wood-Aged Beer?

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

How bitter is Wood-Aged Beer beer?

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

What are some examples of Wood-Aged Beer beers?

Firestone Walker Parabola, The Bruery Rugbrød, Fremont Brewing Bourbon Aged Dark Star, Odell Brewing Rupture