(WA) Brouwer's Cafe Big Wood Festival, Is Today (12/2)!
Seattle, WA - Seems appropriate, now that we have returned from our short time off that we remind you of an annual Brouwer's tradition, BigWood.
Started back in 2008 with a focus on barrel-aged or barrel-dispensed beers (firkin, cask), this festival much like Brouwer's Cafe's other annual festivals has grown to critical mass.
This year is no different as house that the 'Matts' built, will be hosting another packed house filled with rosey cheeked, glee-filled, enthusiasts. So without further ado we present the list, with the appropriate comments based on our picks. Note, sometimes we won’t necessarily comment, given the beers reputation
- Alaskan Oak Aged Smoked Porter '08
*not to be missed - Allagash Oddeysey
The latest in the Barrel Aged series from Allagash, our curiosity is definitely peeked, and if the reviews from Beeradvocate or Ratebeer are to be believed, this Strong Dark Ale aged in "American Medium Toast Oak", will not disappoint. - Big Al Sourlicious
… had this at their brewers night this summer (at BPP), we are wondering if this is the same batch or a newer one. - Cascade (two beers to be listed on the menu today)
- Deschutes Dissident
One of the few kegs in Washington state (this year's batch yielded less than expected). This beer is super limited! - Firestone Walker 14 Anniversary Ale
Not sure what the damage will be on this Anniversary ale, but considering a bottle (22oz) will set you back somewhere past the $20 range, this beer will be a steal when you do the math per ounce! - Full Sail Wassail Blended W/ Bourbon Porter.
Another one-off, this time from the brewery co-operative from Hood River. - Hales Rye Whisky Aged Imperial Stout
- Hair Of The Dog Matt.
More than likely this will be the fresh batch the Hair of the Dog owner / brewery Alan Sprints released during their annual dock sale. If you are feeling a bit wild and crazy you might order up (assuming they are available) a bottle of BW 10th Anniversary Matt and try it side-by-side with the draft edition. - HUB Pile Driver in Wood Firkin
If this tapping is anything like last year’s (Hair of the Dog Michael in Firkin) then it will be gone before you see the first glass up the stairs. Take our advice and get your order in with the server before they announce the tapping. - Naked City Le Dude
Had the opportunity to sample this at the brewery. Think ‘Dude without Kahlua-soaked oak chips, aged in a Wine-stained oak barrel. - New Belgium Sour Blackberry Whiskey.
The name alone screams complex, but isn't daunting enough that we won't give it a shot. For a safer bet, stick to Eric's or La Folie. - Old Lompoc (to be listed on the menu when doors open at 11 AM)
- Peoples Barrel Reserve.
All the way from Indiana, comes this beauty. As with many of the beers listed here, this might be your only chance to try out this breweries beers. - Sierra Nevada Oak Aged Porter
Typically a beer like this is served only at the brewery or at best a nearby pub in the breweries hometown of Chico. Not sure what to expect from this beer, but count me in as curious. - Sierra Nevada & Dogfish Head Collaborative Life & Limb
If you haven’t had this before or are curious for a reminder, now would be a good time to visit the ‘Cafe. - Skagit Oak Aged Gospel India Pale Ale
Don't miss this opportunity to try this barrel-aged, collaboration IPA, from Arlen Harris and Mike Armstrong. Tip, the first batch of this IPA (sans barrel) sold out so quickly, Mike had to rush another batch. - Snipes (To be listed on the menu when the doors open at 11 AM)
- Stone Bourbon Barrel-aged 12th Anniversary Chocolate Oatmeal Stout
Barrel-aged or not, this is a rare opportunity for those in Seattle to try a vintage Anniversary Ale from Stone. - The Bruery Three Freench Hens.
Part of the 12 Days/Years of Christmas Series, this is number three in this series that was started in 2008.
That’s it folks. Get over to Brouwer’s, starting at 11 AM and as always consume responsibly.
Cheers
Northwest Beer Guide