Vocation Brewery has celebrated its seventh anniversary with the release of a Birthday Box containing barrel-aged beers.
Innovation brewer Gary Vincent Farlow has curated a selection of special beers from Vocation’s Barrel Aged project. With more than 400 full barrels in the barrel store to choose from, the team began tasting and preparing for the birthday release around 12 months ago.
The beers are available to purchase here. The brewer has requested that buyers restrict themselves to a maximum of two packs so as many people as possible get a chance to try the beers.
The beers
Belgian Stout (9.6% ABV), collaboration with Lervig Brewery)
A rich, smooth, and decadent blend, aged for 13 months in burgundy barrels. The subtle aroma of vanilla is complimented by a fruity, spicy aftertaste.
Smoked Honey Stout (11.2% ABV)
A blend of smoked and sweet stout, both barrel aged for nine months in bourbon barrels. Honeycomb up front, with hints of treacle and vanilla that give way to intense dark molasses with a smokey finish.
Mint Chocolate Stout (12.2% ABV)
Luxurious minty and bittersweet flavours give way to a sophisticated after -dinner style dark chocolate. Enhanced by barrel ageing over nine months in bourbon.
Damson Stout (10.3% ABV)
A combination of Pedro Ximenez and Oloso sherry barrels creates an unctuously sweet and sticky stout, with aromas of rose and damson. The 15 months spent in barrel makes the sherry character the star of the show.
Imperial Porter (10.2% ABV)
A blended porter aged for eight months in bourbon and pinot noir barrels. Deep ruby in colour and light in body, with hints of sweet vanilla. Both the bourbon and red wine character fight for dominance on the palate.
Liquorice Stout (11.7% ABV)
A big, sweet, and sticky stout, aged for 15 months in red wine barrels with the final three months on liquorice root. A strong aroma of liquorice seeps through the entire beer.
