Baerlic Brewing 2019 WoodWorker Holiday Market + WoodWorker Barrel-Aged Beer Release

Baerlic Brewing’s taproom in Southeast Portland. (image courtesy of Baerlic Brewing)

Each year in time for Christmas, Baerlic Brewing releases its WoodWorker lineup of barrel-aged beers along with hosting a holiday market. The 4th Annual WoodWorker Holiday Market + WoodWorker Barrel-Aged Beer Release will take place on Saturday, December 7th from 11:00am – 6:00pm at its brewery in SE Portland.

When it comes to the WoodWorker Barrel-Aged lineup of beers, Baerlic will be releasing six variants in 2019. Four of these variants will be from its Night Howler Imperial Stout and the other two from its Perpetual Astonishment Blond Barleywine.

image of 2019 WoodWorker bottles courtesy of Baerlic Brewing
image of 2019 WoodWorker bottles courtesy of Baerlic Brewing

Over one year ago, Baerlic began aging its Night Howler Imperial Stout in Booker’s Bourbon casks, Westward Single Malt Whiskey casks and a few rum casks. When pulling samples for this year’s release, Baerlic was impressed with the depth of flavors varying from each barrel type so they decided to showcase the wide array of oak while also pushing the boundaries of the base beer with complimentary additions of adjuncts and ingredients:

WoodWorker Night Howler Imperial Stout:
WoodWorker Night Howler – Imperial Stout aged in Bookers Bourbon Casks – 10.5% abv
WoodWorker Night Howler Mexican Hot Chocolate – Imperial Stout aged in Bookers Bourbon Casks with cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and chilis – 10.5% abv
WoodWorker Night Howler Coffee/Cocoa/Vanilla – Imperial Stout aged in Westward Single Malt Whiskey Barrels with Water Ave Coffee, Vanilla and Cocoa – 10.5% abv
WoodWorker Night Howler Ginger, Coconut and Vanilla – Rum barrel aged imperial stout with coconut, vanilla and ginger – 10.5% abv

Also during the fall of 2018, Baerlic brewed its modern take on the classic American-style Barleywine. In doing so it brewed its barleywine with a blend of Maris Otter and Golden Promise malts for the base (no caramel malts this time around) and a rather assertive hop charge of El Dorado and Cascade hops. Baerlic went a little strong on the hops since they would diminish over the year it spent in Bourbon Barrels. The end result is described as a delightful beer with huge notes of candied orange, vanilla, and sweet rolls with a strong, yet balanced hop presence. And it goes down easy with a bright bourbon backend on the finish.

WoodWorker Perpetual Astonishment Blond Barleywine:
WoodWorker Perpetual Astonishment – Blond barleywine aged in Bookers Bourbon Barrels – 9.8% abv
WoodWorker Perpetual Astonishment Coffee/Cocoa/Vanilla – Blond barleywine aged in Westward Single Malt Whiskey Barrels with Water Ave Coffee, Vanilla and Cocoa – 9.8% abv

image of vintage WoodWorker bottles courtesy of Baerlic Brewing
image of vintage WoodWorker bottles courtesy of Baerlic Brewing

In addition to these new 2019 releases, Baerlic Brewing will be releasing six WoodWorker beers from the brewery’s cellar on Saturday only. Here’s a preview.

2014 WoodWorker Dinosaur Head – Mixed Fermentation sour ale with Pluots
2016 WoodWorker Old Blood & Guts – American Barleywine aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon casks
2017 WoodWorker Harshmellow Mountain – Belgian Golden Strong aged in second use gin casks with Brett Brux
2017 WoodWorker Black Grove – Imperial Stout aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels
2017 WoodWorker Collusion – Dulce de Leche Imperial Stout aged in Weller Bourbon Barrels
2017 WoodWorker Collusion Coffee/Vanilla – Dulce de Leche Imperial Stout aged in Weller Bourbon Barrels

Also taking place on Saturday, December 7th is the 4th Annual WoodWorker Holiday Market that takes place from 11:00am – 6:00pm. Entry is free and there will be plenty of wood oriented vendors. The list of vendors sees many returning ones along with a handful of new vendors. Returning vendors include: Bengston WoodworksBriar Rose CreameryBull Run DistilleryPapa Don’s ToysRescued Oregon TimberSacred Elements DesignsStone Barn BrandyworksTiff_Wood, Vital Energy Arts, Water Avenue CoffeeXylem Jewelry and Tastebud. New vendors this year include: Carter & RoseMad Sass SoapMadre BeadsShwood Eyewear and Yo Soy Candle!

Baerlic Brewing
2235 SE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214