Beer of the Week: Barrel-aged Molotov Special
One big beer equates to two big firsts for the family behind Mcilhenney Brewing
From the Beer Writer: There are many special firsts for a craft brewery: first beer tapped, first keg kicked, first brewing award earned, first anniversary…the list goes on and on, and all of those firsts are special for the people at those businesses. That’s even true in the case of the family behind Mcilhenney Brewing, who experienced and accomplished a great deal in the nearly two decades that they helmed Alpine’s namesake beermaking operation. Having amassed many a medal and built a fan base spanning the world over from the same humble-yet-mighty digs from which they still operate, some jadedness would be understandable, but since getting back in the beer game, each first has been equally sweet if not sweeter. This Saturday will mark two firsts for the Mcilhenneys—the debut of their first barrel-aged beer and their first beer in cans. The latter marks the first time any of the family’s beers have been packaged in non-crowler aluminum, something fans of the East County business can look forward to seeing far more of in the near future. That doubly inaugural offering will be Barrel-aged Molotov Special, a version of the brewery’s imperial stout rested in bourbon-soaked oak. Incredibly smooth—especially for a 13% (alcohol-by-volume) beer—and exhibiting a magnificent balance between the base beer and its enhancing spirit, it’s an exceptional creation befitting this pair of important milestones. Single cans and four-packs of the beer will go on sale exclusively at Mcilhenney Brewing’s tasting room tomorrow at noon.
From the Brewer: “After being laid to rest in freshly emptied 10-year-old Elijah Craig bourbon barrels for six months, this massive Russian imperial stout has let us know it is ready to grace the public with its presence. Aromas of vanilla, coconut, American oak and baker’s chocolate meld together for a truly decadent bouquet. Flavors of rich, velvety dark chocolate, luxurious vanilla and devilishly smooth bourbon combine for a truly exceptional and drinkable experience. Only four barrels of this beer made it into cans, so the supply is limited. We are really excited to be able to offer our first barrel-aged beer and our first can offering, and hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do.”—Shawn Mcilhenney, Co-founder & Head Brewer, Mcilhenney Brewing