Ecliptic Brewing Releases Four Orange Giant Barleywine Ale Variants this Winter

In time for winter, Ecliptic Brewing is excited to announce the release of four Orange Giant Barleywine variants in early December. The original, Orange Giant Barleywine that has been brewed since 2014, is joined by Orange Giant Barleywine: Pineapple Upside Down Cake Edition that are part of the brewery’s Special Release Series will be packaged in 16-ounce cans and on draft. Additionally, two barrel-aged versions will launch as part of the Reserve Series: Rye Barrel-Aged Orange Giant Barleywine and Bourbon Barrel-Aged Orange Giant Barleywine, both in 500mL bottles and on draft.

“Orange Giant is our classic winter Special Release, but we wanted to have some fun with it this year and create an additional version to try side-by-side,” said Owner and Brewmaster, John Harris, in a statement. “We added real pineapple and Azacca hops, which complement the dark biscuity flavors present in our barleywine, and the result is a delicious, dessert-like brew.”

The barrel-aged versions have been sleeping in rye or bourbon barrels for nearly one year that adds complex and bold notes to each variant. “Ecliptic has not released a Barrel-Aged Orange Giant Barleywine since 2017, so we’re excited to have this available again,” said Harris, in a statement.

Here is a preview of the four variants of Orange Giant Barleywine.

Orange Giant Barleywine
Named after the giant orange stars in the sky, this barleywine ale has a gratifying effect and drinks smooth. Three malts create a hearty malt profile with robust character. Copious amounts of Columbus, Chinook and Simcoe hops combine for a nice resin hop flavor. Orange Giant is perfect for aging in your cellar.
ABV: 12.5% / IBU: 80

Orange Giant Barleywine: Pineapple Upside Down Cake Edition
This variant of Orange Giant Barleywine Ale is a special edition for 2020. We took our classic OG recipe and turned it on its head with the addition of real pineapple and Azacca hops, creating a twist on the classic flavor of Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Dessert in a can!
ABV: 12.5% / IBU: 80

Rye Barrel-Aged Orange Giant Barleywine
Our truly massive Barrel-Aged Orange Giant Barleywine is back for 2020 featuring two different releases: Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged and Bourbon Barrel-Aged. This version spent 12 months aging in rye whiskey barrels, developing bold notes of spice, balanced by vanilla and oak.
ABV: 15% / IBU: 80

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Orange Giant Barleywine
Our truly massive Barrel-Aged Orange Giant Barleywine is back for 2020 featuring two different releases: Rye Whiskey Barrel-Aged and Bourbon Barrel-Aged. This version spent 12 months aging in bourbon barrels, developing notes of orange, honey, coconut and oak.
ABV: 15% / IBU: 80

All four variants of Orange Giant Barleywine will be available at Ecliptic Brewing in North Portland beginning on December 9th. The beers will also be available through the brewery’s distribution network of Maletis Beverage (Portland, Salem, Vancouver WA), Bigfoot Beverage (Eugene, Bend, Coast), Fort George Distributing (Northern Oregon Coast, Southern Washington Coast), Hodgen Distributing (Eastern Oregon), Summit Distribution (Southern Oregon), NW Beverages (Seattle, Tacoma), Odom (Eastern Washington, Northern ID), Dickerson Distributing (Bellingham), Crooked Stave Artisans (Colorado), Freedom Distributors (North Carolina), Beer Thirst (Canada) and Tread Water (Japan).