Four Roses, New Belgium Release 2023 Edition of Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale

New Belgium and Four Roses have released the latest edition of their Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale. (Photo: Four Roses/New Belgium)

On Wednesday, Colorado beer brand New Belgium and Kentucky bourbon brand Four Roses announced the 2023 release of their collaborative Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale.

First released in 2018, Oakspire is made with a proprietary infusion method that consists of soaking bourbon-steeped charred oak spires in the ale.

“As we bring back our collaboration with Four Roses, Oakspire returns with new packaging that offers the consumer a premium experience, New Belgium Brewing Emerging Brands Manager Jared Spagnola said in a news release. “Every year as we approach the holidays, we look forward to Oakspire season. Whether you’re a beer or bourbon fan, it’s the perfect complement for slowing down with family & friends.”

This year’s is the third release of Oakspire, which the brands hail each year as “THE beer for bourbon lovers.”

“Four Roses and New Belgium make for great partners because we both are committed to our craft and our own processes, and New Belgium’s innovative approach brings the result of our individual crafts together perfectly, Four Roses Chief Operating Officer Ryan Ashley said in a news release. “Oakspire takes a different approach from the traditional bourbon barrel ale that brings the rich four roses flavor notes forward in quite a remarkable way.”

Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale contains 9% ABV and was made with Nugget and Sabro hops and Pale, Munich, Caramel 80, Rye and ROasted Barley Malt.

Oakspire Bourbon Barrel Ale is available for $14.99 via select U.S. retailers, New Belgium taprooms and the FOur Roses Distillery Visitor Center in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

Breaking Down the Oakspire Infusion Process

In order to imbue the ale with bourbon flavors, Four Roses collects charred oak chips from their emptied bourbon barrels over a year. Then, a Minnesota barrel maker toasts oak spirals, which are then soaked in Four Roses bourbon.

New Belgium then takes the spirals and chips and circulates them with the ale through custom, stainless-steel vessels.

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