St. Arnold Brewery wowed the craft beer crowd last year when it unveiled its new Bishops Barrel series and released the first in a series of barrel aged beers- a Russian Imperial Stout aged in whisky barrels obtained from Kentucky’s Woodford Reserve. St. Arnold promised a new release in the series would take place in early 2013, and the time is now only two days away. The beer is Bishop's Barrel #2, or BB2, and it will be released to taverns and restaurants on Monday, Feb. 18, 2013.
What is Bishops Barrel 2?
Local craft beer lovers may recall the first Bishops Barrel release from a few months ago and those who sampled it raved about its distinct flavor and delicious bourbon- enhanced qualities. BB2 is a completely different product. It keeps with the barrel aging theme, but this time the barrels are chardonnay wine barrels from Saintsbury winery in Napa, California. The beer itself is an old ale and to add to the uniqueness of the product, the aging includes added cherries.
What About the Process?
Bishops Barrel 2 was aged for 14 and according to official sources, it was brewed starting with St. Arnold Christmas Ale. Back on December 3, 2011, the good guys and gals at St. Arnold filled the Chardonnay barrels with Christmas Ale then added sour cherries. The barrels were then placed in a room where the beer has now been aging for more than a year.
Where Can I Find This Beer?
Bishops Barrel 2 will be available only in restaurants and taverns. Many were hoping a bottled version would hit local stores, but St. Arnold says there is too little to go around and is therefore limiting the release to 12 oz. bottles sold only in restaurants and taverns. The best way to find it is to visit a place that normally sells St. Arnold products on tap. It will not be sent to every establishment, so it may take some phone calls or beer- hunting adventures to track it down. Another good idea is to follow St. Arnold on both Facebook and Twitter. The brewery plans to make periodic announcements letting fans know where to find it.
What Next?
Keep your patience in check and hold out for just two more days. St. Arnold Bishop’s Barrel 2 will be available at some of your favorite pubs and restaurants starting on Monday, February 18, 2013. The first in the series was highly received by critics and beer fans everywhere and there is no reason to think BB2 will be any different. Visit the St. Arnold Facebook and Twitter pages for quick updates and look for this latest Bishop’s Barrel offering starting on Monday.
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