(Houston, TX) – The latest from Saint Arnold Brewing Co.’s email newsletter…

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Brewer Vince Mandeville had a favorite Wee Heavy recipe he kept tinkering with that ultimately became our Divine Reserve No. 4 released in 2007. We weren’t the only ones that enjoyed it as it won the gold medal at the World Beer Cup in 2008 in the Strong Scotch Ale category. It is still drinking exceptionally well over six years later.

We rebrewed the recipe in December of 2012 and this time put it in bourbon barrels and aged it for nine months. Next week, it will be coming to you as Bishop’s Barrel No. 5. Here are Vince’s tasting notes on it:

The flavors and aromas of the base beer are true to the Divine Reserve No. 4. It is filled with caramel, toffee, dried figs, cocoa and a slight peatiness. Where it deviates is with the roundness of flavors the bourbon barrel contributes. Vanilla, cinnamon and a touch of rich earthy pipe tobacco mix with an alcohol warmth that adds to the rich creaminess. The great thing about this beer is that the barrel aging adds to the whole without taking away the character of the original.

Please remember, because of the small amount of beer produced from the barrels, Bishop’s Barrel releases are only available at your favorite bars and restaurants.