Anderson Valley Brewing Company started in 1987. For over 25 years they’ve been brewing genuine ales and lagers with balance, intricacy and, like their state neighbours over at Hopworks, are passionate about sustainable brewing practices. The brewery is 40% powered by solar energy and 100% of their waste water is treated and used in their hop fields. They’re also home to the first ever 18-hole disc golf course built at a brewery. In 2011, Anderson Valley teamed up with Wild Turkey Bourbon to create their Barrel series of bourbon barrel-aged beers. By aging beer for a period of time after primary fermentation in wooden barrels, the unique characteristics of the wood, and in this case the flavour of what has previously been in the barrel, is imparted onto the beer. Deliciously aromatic and insanely complex, the Huge Arker is a specialty beer that should be savoured, and handled with care. Serve between 7-13C.
Pours slow, thick and heavy. Midnight black with a creamy tan foam head that puffs up to the brim of your glass before gradually fizzling away. Perfectly carbonated with a light lacing.
Upon opening, a powerful aroma of rye whisky hits your nostrils like a truck. After the initial shock and awe of such an awesome fragrance coming straight at you has worn off, subtle hints of molasses, chocolate cake, Kona dark roast coffee and hazelnut pick you up and brush you off.
This stout is velvety smooth, yet unforgivingly bold. Barrel-aged for 6 months, it is described as a massive force of nature that detonates on your tongue. It is a full bodied, malt-heavy beer with little to no hoppy-ness. An Imperial Stout that is rich with exquisite flavours, it offers a nice balance of sweet, comforting tastes and defined, lavish pleasures. The bourbon is predominant, while the savouriness of toffee, oak, vanilla, honey and cocoa beans is mild and complimentary.
Aging in bourbon barrels immediately brings to mind a rough-hewn smoky room, where rare porterhouse steaks are served and cigars are smoked in marble ashtrays.