Here’s a rare beer release notice for you. I am just putting this one on your radar screen. Portland’s Ecliptic Brewing just announced that it is releasing their Barrel-Aged Oort Imperial Stout for the first time on January 16th. The beer is part of the brewery’s reserve series and has been patiently resting in bourbon barrels for 15 months. Some of the beer will make it to Washington and Seattle.
This is the first time the barrel-aged version of Oort Imperial Stout will be released, but the date also marks the second release of the non-barrel version of the beer. There will be a limited amount of draft and bottled beer available at the Ecliptic brewery and restaurant starting at noon on the release day.
In case you’re unaware, Ecliptic Brewing (founded in 2013) is a cosmic-themed brewery founded by brewmaster John Harris, who created many of the beers you recognize and love from Deschutes Brewing (Mirror Pond, Obsidian Stout, Black Butte Porter, Jubelale) before moving on to spend 20 years as the brewmaster at Full Sail Brewing.
Oort Imperial Stout is named after the mysterious region of our solar system that breeds comets. To produce the brew, they used massive amounts of roasted barley and chocolate malts along with three types of caramel malts to lend the beer a rich, full mouthfeel. They used Chinook, Cascade, and Sterling hops to add a balanced bitterness and subtle hop flavor. The beer is describes as “black as the vacuum of space.”
The brewery adds, “This barrel aged version of the Oort Imperial Stout slumbered for 15 months in 12-year-old bourbon barrels, imparting flavors of bitter chocolate, vanilla, and oak. It drinks especially chocolatey, with some heat from the barrel.”
IBU: 77
ABV: 8.5%
GRAVITY: 21°P
Oort Imperial Stout Release
Saturday January 16th, 12:00pm
Ecliptic Brewing
825 N. Cook St.
Portland, OR 97227
Tapping and limited amount of bottles available for purchase.
More About Oort Imperial Stout
A small amount of these beers will be made available after January 16th in the territories where Ecliptic Brewing is currently offered, including Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane.