Courtesy of the Aviary / Evil Twin Brewing
More than a year ago, Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas approached Belgian brewery Evil Twin Brewing about a collaborative series of beers. They wanted to take a “truly amazing brew” and age it for a while in barrels that were used to make rare spirits. A year later—like, now—the two planned to debut the results at an event in Chicago.
First, some background. The beer geeks started with a Belgian Blonde by Evil Twin, and sealed it in nine barrels formerly filled with liquor—the cask roster included Laphroaig, Elijah Craig 12 year, Plantation Rum, Casa Noble Extra Anejo, Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy and more. After the aging process finished up this year, the Evil Twin ale was bottled up as Aviary One through Nine. Aviary Ten, aged in an as-yet-unidentified barrel, will be a surprise debut at the event.
Want to try these experimental beers? This coming Tuesday, March 26, Achatz and Kokonas will reveal the results with a flight tasting at the Aviary (955 W. Fulton Market). Tickets are limited to the first 100 beer geeks in line. Keep a close watch on their Facebook page this afternoon for how to reserve your spot.