Today’s burly brew won a Gold medal at the 2019 San Diego International Beer Competition for its layered complexity.

So it’s no big shock that Barleywine fans from coast to coast went nuts when the brand new 2020 Bourbon Barrel-Aged O.E. dropped! Popular podcaster @dontdrinkbeers even showed up on the release announcement to let everyone know that “THIS IS NOT A DRILL!”

I’m sure plenty of you are just as eager to score a bottle — last year’s version earned a staggering 4.29 on Tavour, and the brewers at Smog City are even more excited about this one. They say it tastes like a “bourbon pecan pie.” We think that’s spot on!

As soon as you pour this caramel-colored brew into a glass, aromas of candied nuts and rich toffee immediately fill the room. On the sip, it’s all about thick, syrupy malt with complex layers of date, honey, and bourbon heat. Subtle notes of oaky vanilla and barrel char flirt with the palate on the finish, begging you to take another taste. 

This year, you don’t have to join the throngs of Barleywine fiends as they traverse the wilds of L.A. to get a sip of O.E. You can score a bottle or two right here. 

Rated 4.29 on Tavour; 94/100 on BeerAdvocate where it’s one of the Top 20 English Barleywines in the World!