A Warming Winter in the Deep Wood
Introducing the Fall/Winter lineup for the 2021–22 Deep Wood Series
We've been fortunate enough in recent years to make more frequent journeys into the Deep Wood, to the point that around the brewery, we refer to "Deep Wood season" less and less. We've introduced some compelling new finds (Thundertaker, Mixed Berry Ryeway, Supermassive Café Deth) and revisited some of our favorites (V.S.O.J., Strawberry Jacket) during decidedly shorts-weather months. When you have a team like ours, with a never-ending list of innovative projects they want to bear the Deep Wood name, you go calendar-agnostic. Except ...
As much as we covet our limited days in the sun and on the lakefront, we have a persistent low-level longing for those days when the sidewalks are salted, the chill creeps in, and a generous pour of something thick, boozy, and laden with oak makes your whole world perfect for the duration of the glass. The Scandinavians probably have a word for it. We just call it Deep Wood vibes, and we're going to spend October through January serving that feeling up to our loyal fans.
If the scene feels familiar, know that the lineup has some surprises in store. The things we've learned through our barrel program have taken deep root and spread wide, with each of our teams using the benefit of institutional barrel-aging wisdom to turn out old favorites and new brews in their most compelling forms. We've added talented people. We've refined processes. And we're trying new and playful spins on our approach with a depth of understanding that we just didn't have in previous years.
Two debuts this year are joining the program as former draft variants that excited us under different names – one a rich, sweet stout named for the quiet, contemplative moments we encountered over the last year-plus, the other a joyful, double-barreled purple concoction that reaches a level of laser-guided balance you won't believe. The excited check-ins, the fast keg kicks, the comments about how you wish we'd just can THAT beer? We listen to all of that. It just takes us a little time to give something the full Deep Wood experience and ensure that it's as excellent as we'd picture in our heads. And that's just a small peek at how we've been preparing to welcome you back to the Taproom this Fall.
Let's hang on to this summer for all it's worth. But in a few months, it'll be time to grab a clean glass, start a fire, and clear an afternoon for a winding journey back into the wood.
October 15-17
Deth's Tar (2021)
Barrel-aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout
Witness the firepower of this fully operational Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout. Brewed with English specialty malts and the addition of flaked and malted oats to create a rich, chocolaty profile and silky mouthfeel that cloaks its considerable strength. The American oak barrels continue to build layers of complexity, reminiscent of vanilla, toasted coconut and caramel candy after aging this dark menace a full 12 months.
Alc. by vol. – 14.8%
Café Deth (2021)
Barrel-aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout with Coffee
A weaponized quantity of freshly roasted whole bean coffee from Dark Matter Coffee Roasters imbues our Deth’s Tar Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout with assertive coffee aromatics without overshadowing the base beer on the palate. Pair with rich food or enjoy on its own. Keep cold. Enjoy now. We mean it.
Alc. by vol. – 14.8%
Deth by Raspberries (2021)
Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Raspberries
This all-too-drinkable fruited spin on Deth's Tar is equally at home in any setting. Aromas of roasted malt, American oak, bourbon, and fresh raspberry flesh emerge from the glass like a group hug for the nose while the palate is treated to a gentle sweetness and incisive acidity. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 11%
November 19-21
Straight Jacket (2021)
Bourbon Barrel-aged Barleywine
Our Barleywine Ale features American and Belgian malts which provide the base of this extraordinary ale. After 12 months in bourbon barrels the award-winning Straight Jacket® emerges with notes of stone fruit, toasted coconut, molasses, and vanilla coming in waves as you swirl the glass. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 15%
Vanilla Deth (2021)
Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Vanilla
Behold, our original Barrel-aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout, Deth’s Tar, with hand-split whole vanilla beans. Flaked and malted oats lend a supremely silky body that belies the beer’s considerable strength. Pronounced vanilla flavor and aroma blends harmoniously with chocolatey caramel maltiness and blend of American & French oak. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 13.6%
Blackberry Finn
Barleywine Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Blackberries
This bemusing, bepurpled curiosity is the result of blending double bourbon barrel-aged dry English Barleywine and an intrepid volume of unfermented blackberries. Restrained malt sweetness, hefty tannins, vanilla-laden American oak, and sweet, tart blackberry combine to make an “extreme” beer which retains a decidedly playful accessibility. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 14.5%
December 10-12
Ryeway to Heaven (2021)
Barrel-aged Ryewine
Bourbon and rye barrels work together in harmony to breathe life into our Ryewine. This unforgettable ale is brewed with over 60% rye, yielding entirely unique malt- and barrel-derived complexities. Enjoy an ample body that suggests sweetness but still finishes smooth and dry. Enjoy life now, or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 15%
Maple Jacket
Barleywine Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Maple Syrup
This dry English Barleywine, created with our friends at Chicago Maple, rested for one year in freshly emptied maple syrup bourbon barrels before being sweetened with that same syrup just prior to packaging. Subtle maple aromatics and flavor complement the classic vanilla and toffee notes we’ve come to expect without detriment to balance. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 14.4%
Dark Mode
Imperial Milk Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels
A blend of chocolate malt, traditional roasted barley, and debittered black malt lend this Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Milk Stout its nebulous, void-like hue without harsh, detracting astringency to make your mouth sad. Golden oats enhance body while a dash of applewood smoked malt provides the gentlest expression of smoldering depth. Go dark now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 13.8%
January 28-30
Gravedigger Billy (2022)
Scotch Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels
An old favorite from the early days of Revolution makes a return. This Bourbon Barrel-aged Scotch Ale, decked out in a fine tartan kilt, has a delicate smokiness alongside American oak and bourbon character. Pour a wee dram and let the brogue fly. Don’t be daft, enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 14.2%
V.S.O.R. (2022)
Rye Ale Aged in Rye and Bourbon Barrels
Owing to two years in premium rye whiskey barrels, this slightly sweeter blend of our Ryewine oozes with malt-derived complexities reminiscent of maple alongside enough oak to build a bedroom set. With a grist composed of over sixty percent rye, Very Special Old Ryeway is deceptively balanced given its massive body. Enjoy now or store cold.
Alc. by vol. – 15.4%
A Fresh Look and a New Home for Deth’s Tar
The October-January slate of releases will be the last for our familiar Deep Wood Series can designs. This past year, we've given each of our beers a fresh new look with the exception of the Deep Wood Series, but those will be completing the changeover in 2022. You'll get the first taste of the new direction this year with Deth's Tar. And we're introducing a new format to unveil it for the first time.
Along with our usual four-packs of 12-ounce cans, we'll be introducing a new 19.2-ounce single-serve can of Deth's Tar this October. We're looking to bring our Barrel-aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout to more occasions and believe this new format is a great way to accomplish that. Use them to sample before committing to a four-pack, or commemorate a special occasion with a group of friends.
The 19.2-ounce cans won't replace four-packs. They're just another way to share and enjoy Deep Wood Series beers.
FAQs
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Will these beers be distributed?
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Deth's Tar, Café Deth, Straight Jacket, Vanilla Deth, Ryeway to Heaven, and Maple Jacket will get some distribution. The rest of the releases will only be available at the brewery.
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Will you be doing preview parties again?
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Yes, we'll have draft-only preview parties the night before each of the releases over this four-month period.
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Will these beers sell via online preorders?
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TBD
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Will you allow proxy pickups?
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TBD
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What are the prices and limits?
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TBD