For the last six months, a handful of Elijah Craig Bourbon barrels have been quietly resting in the back of the Homestead brewery, gently nurturing a 15-barrel batch of Homestead’s Bison Imperial Stout. And now, finally, its time has come. Homestead’s co-owner Adam Rhodes has announced the beer will be released on December 17.
Since each of the six Bourbon barrels in which the Bison has been aging for the past six months will yield a slightly different beer in terms of body and aroma, blending the barrels together is step one.
“One of the more important things we are doing is to add some fresh Bison back into it at a really small ratio,” said brewer Sam Sheidlower. “As we taste the barrels the Bourbon is a little too dominate and the body is a little light. When we put it in the bright tank, we will bring in a select amount of fresh Bison to get the body where we want it. Having it really well balanced is the most important thing.”
The Bourbon Barrel Aged Bison will be available in 22 oz. bottles for $13.99, with a limit of two per person. Their regular Bison Imperial Stout will also be sold in 22 oz. bottles for $9.99 with no limit. Both beers will also be available on tap at the brewery (no growler fills of the BBA Bison). In addition, look for some special Bison infused casks while they last. The Hogg’s Head Blue Smoke BBQ food truck will be on site to fill your belly. Also, Bison t-shirts will be for sale, and the first 25 people will get a limited-edition Bison poster.
The bottle release will take place Saturday, December 17 beginning at noon. The Homestead Beer Company is located in Heath at 811 Irving Wick Drive on the old Newark Air Force Base.
