Growing up, I always got a dark chocolate orange in my stocking. Indulgent, cocoa-y flavors as deep as winter night blended with tangy citrus as vibrant as Christmas lights — it was a highlight of my holiday and I savored every decadent bite.

Today’s beer is the delicious, adult reincarnation of my favorite seasonal sweet!

Every year, the award-winning brewmasters at StormBreaker release an ultra-limited new vintage of their Barrel Aged Winter Coat. To craft this festive Winter Warmer, the Portland crew brewed an Ale loaded with chocolate malt, special b malt, honey malt, and Fuggle and Sterling Hops.  

Then they added succulent tangerines and cocoa nibs, making the 2021 iteration unlike any other that came before it! To round the decadence out, these skilled brewers aged it all for a year in barrels first used for pinot noir, then used for Bull Run Whiskey!

Creamy cascades of chocolate, swirled with citrus zest, roasty brown sugar, and treacly honey course through every smooth sip. Whispers of whiskey vanilla and cocoa-y oak carry underneath to a tannic finish. Familiar childhood flavors add a welcome warmth, but not as much as the 8% ABV!

This year, I’m thanking my parents — I mean Santa — for all the chocolate oranges by stuffing their stockings with some barrel-aged treats from one of Portland’s best!

StormBreaker boasts Gold Medals from the Oregon Beers Awards, U.S. Open Beer Championship, Best of Craft Beer Awards, World Beer Cup, and North American Beer Awards!

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. StormBreaker Brewing is certified independent by the Brewers Association