From Torn Label: Torn Label Brewing Company’s inaugural run of Barrel Aged Long Time Comin’ became one of its most
acclaimed and sought after releases to date. The second time around, they decided to get even more
ambitious.
Barrel Aged Long Time Comin’ was initially released for the taproom’s first anniversary in early 2016,
and the imperial stout aged in J. Rieger and Company whiskey barrels sold out within hours. 2017’s
release of the brew sees the brewery expand the concept into a project designed to highlight the city’s
burgeoning distillery scene.
“We loved what the year spent in J. Rieger barrels did for our big stout,” said CEO/co-founder Rafi
Chaudry, “but this time around we thought it would be fun to widen the scope and age a single batch of
Long Time Comin’ in a series of different barrels from local wine/spirit artisans so drinkers can enjoy
comparing and contrasting the subtle flavor nuances those diverse barrels impart.”
Brewmaster/Co-founder Travis Moore crafted a 15-barrel batch of Long Time Comin’ intended to be
entirely barrel aged, and monitored the extensive array closely over nearly a year. A portion of the
11.4% imperial stout was aged in barrels from local partners J. Rieger and Company, Union Horse
Distilling Company, Amigoni Urban Winery, and Tom’s Town Distilling Co.
Besides the local distillers, Torn Label also worked in partnership with area businesses on additional
barrel variants. A variant exclusive to Lukas Liquors was aged in a Smooth Ambler whiskey barrel,
while one for Plaza Liquor spent time in a Knob Creek bourbon barrel. The project began, however, with
a Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey barrel provided by Browne’s Irish Marketplace.
“That was incredibly exciting for us,” says Chaudy, “because as far as we can tell, no brewery in the
world has EVER released a beer aged in Knappogue barrels. So it’s fitting that the beer aged in this
exceptional and remarkably rare barrel will go to Browne’s, the oldest Irish business in North
America.”
Browne’s will host a release party for their portion of the Knappogue version the week of April 10th.
Every partner will receive half the amount aged in their particular barrel for their own release. All
bottles will feature a distinct neck hanger that distinguishes the particular variant. Bottles will also be
wax coated in differentiating colors.
“Every version shares a common heritage, which serves to highlight how profound the various oak and
spirit character of the barrels can impact the end result. One variant might have notes of caramel and
nutmeg, while others may feature an aromatic cedar character, or a sticky, chocolate cherry dessert
quality,” says Chaudry.----
Torn Label will host a release party at its taproom for the entire array of bottles beginning at noon on
May 27th. In addition to the 22oz bottles of each variant which will be for sale for on-premise
consumption or to-go, as a Signature Partner in this collaboration Tom’s Town’s portion of Barrel Aged
Long Time Comin’ will be available on draft as well as in bottles. Quantities of all variants will be very
limited.
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