From time to time, we yield a little extra base beer, which also times out nicely with the receipt of some freshly emptied oak barrels; in this case, a couple of Aromatic/Gentian Bitters Barrels arrived a few days prior to brewing Self-Reliance: Citra®—perfect timing! After nearly three months of residency in these unique vessels—and an additional seven months conditioning in bottle—we present yet another playful, novel exploration of ingredient combinations and aging opportunities. The result is expressive, light, and complex—a familiar form that casts a shadow of its distinctive oak past.

This series provides us an opportunity to share a wide-ranging assortment of blended beers, exploratory aging techniques, and distinctive ingredient pairings, with imaginative artwork by our lifelong friend and collaborator, Alex Peltz of Peltz Creative.