So many things lie dormant this time of year. The long nights lead to the sort of deep slumber that the cold only seems to perpetuate. But as so many creatures are hibernating, we have a behemoth that’s awoken in the dead of winter.

13 months ago, we filled Napa Valley wine barrels with our Forty Winks Russian Imperial Stout and buried them in our barrel library. We sampled these barrels periodically as they conditioned. In the first few months, we saw the top notes of the beer soften; acidic coffee and cocoa flavors that dominated the palate began to smooth and cooperate. Towards the midpoint, subdued dried cherry emerged. At thirteen months, complex nuttiness developed in the foundation. We were finally happy with the flavor development, the coating finish, the stabbing tannic structure. When it came time to package, we tasted through each unique barrel and blended our favorites. What emerged is something equally unique to us as it is to other imperial stout offerings in the region: a deep, robust beer filled sweet aromas and a wine-like tannic finish. A perfect amalgamation of wine and beer.

Aside from tap lines at limited locations, Wine Barrel-Aged Forty Winks will primarily be available in a special run of 750ml bottles for you to share or cellar. Join us Saturday, March 3rd at Fernson on 8th to try the beer on tap and/or take it home in a bottle. We will tap the beer at 5:30pm. From 5:30pm-7:30pm our brewer Derek Fernholz will be present to chat and answer any questions you have about the beer. 

It’s taken over a year for this rare beer to mature-but when it’s worth the wait, time passes in the blink of an eye. Get yours before it’s gone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Brown sugar, rich dried fruit, dark chocolate

Appearance: Dense black color lightly garnished with brown foam

Flavor: Molasses, cocoa, pecan, wine-like tannic finish

Hops: Belma

Malts: Pale Ale, Carabrown, Caramel 120L, Chocolate 350L, Honey, Oats, Roasted Barley

ABV: 10.3%

IBU: 65