When it comes to beer, there are a ton of choices out there, with more being added everyday. This year we’re trying something new, and rounding up some of our fave new finds each month. Some of the brews we did full reviews on, while others are just special gems we found on tap while we were out and about that we think you should know about.
By no means a comprehensive list of everything new that came out in January (we can only drink so much!), here are some of our favorites that we’d recommend you grabbing a pint of while you’re out with friends, or picking up a few bottles of at your local bottle shop.
Discover something new this month that you absolutely love? Be sure to tell us about it in the comments!
2015 Goose Island Bourbon County Barleywine
Style: English Barleywine
ABV: 12.1%
The Goose Island Bourbon County line makes a splash every year, and this year’s version was no different. For 2015, Goose Island made the switch to 16.9oz bottles from the original 12oz bottles. We gave the beer an 8.5/10 when we tried it in late January. Compared to the previous vintages, this year’s version is actually quite tame on the nose, giving off a raisin and brown sugar smell, with a little vanilla extract. There is also a faint bit of the bourbon barrel on the nose, but not as upfront as we are used to with Bourbon County Barleywine. if you’re a sucker for a good barleywine you should give this one a shot, and make sure you grab a few to hold onto as this style usually gets better with age.
Olde Hickory Calico Jack Imperial Stout
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 9.5%
Calico Jack is one of three recent brewery-only releases from Olde Hickory. The rum barrel-aged imperial stout has what the brewery calls a Caribbean-inspired mix of vanilla, coconut, coffee and cayenne pepper. Which, of course, explains the pirate-esque name and label art. We gave the brew an 8/10, and found the flavor profile is nicely layered, allowing you to experience different components at different times as you’re drinking the beer.
Funky Buddha Maple Bacon Coffee Porter
Style: American Porter
ABV: 6.4%
We included last year’s version of this beer in our tasting of American porters. While it definitely did well, we were thrilled to get our hands on this year’s version recently. On the nose, the beer smells like buttered, syrupy waffles. That waffle has apparently been topped with some dark chocolate chips and grade A maple syrup, all washed down with strong, black, uncomplicated diner coffee. Add in a bit of meaty flavor on the tongue for that bacon flavor, and you have yourself a delicious beer.
Big Boss Brewing’s Aces & Ates
Style: Stout
ABV: 8%
Big Boss has made its Aces & Ates Coffee Stout every year since the brewery launched in 2006, and each year it gets even better, The distinctive stout is made with organic fair-trade coffee produced by Larry’s Beans, a coffee roaster local to the brewery. The coffee flavor is distinct, but not overpowering. That coffee along with malt and chocolate flavors, make this one we look forward to every year. It’s only available seasonally, so be sure to grab a pint (or a 6-pack) when you see it.
