From the editor: Double Mountain is still putting its winter beer in refillable bottles, and I’m glad somebody is. We covered the launch of their 12 oz. refillable bottle program back in 2018, and Fa La La La La still rides in those six-packs. The real news is Drawknife, a 6.8% bourbon barrel porter that won’t flatten you, which is exactly what barrel-aged beer needs more of. A hoppy winter ale and a drinkable barrel porter beat another 13% pastry bomb any day.
(HOOD RIVER, OR) – Winter is here, and Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery is welcoming the season with two winter beer releases. Returning for another year is the beloved Fa La La La La Winter Ale, alongside the debut of an entirely new seasonal, Drawknife, a bourbon barrel-aged porter.
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A longtime winter tradition, Fa La La La La Winter Ale is back for another rendition. We love this beer. It’s got history. It’s bold and unapologetic, and it’s just feckin’ tasty. We tinker and tweak it every year, and this year’s version is no different.
Centennial hops take the reins, with this year’s entire crop sourced from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Expect juicy citrus, resinous pine, and dewy evergreen, backed by Pilsner, Crystal, and Red X malts. We gave the hop dip a little boost and invited Strata to join the bittering addition. The result is a crisp, hop-forward winter ale with plenty of character.
Joining the lineup for the first time is Drawknife, a Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter named for the traditional cooperage tool used to shape barrel staves. After primary fermentation, this new porter was transferred into freshly emptied bourbon barrels, where it rested for three months in our warehouse cellar.
“We love the nuance barrels can give, working with local companies to procure barrels, and rolling the dice on aging things into barrels,” says Head Brewer, Greg Balch. “This beer is wonderful for this time of year. It’s got all the vanillin and caramel and toffee and dry baker’s chocolate you could ask for. A pint doesn’t kick your ass either.”
Drawknife – Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter
- 6.8% ABV | 45 BU
- Named for the traditional cooperage tool used to shape staves, this porter rested in bourbon casks, drawing rich notes of dark cocoa, vanilla, and caramel cut into its deep profile. The heat on the aroma is deceiving, and the lower ABV makes this one drink nicely.
- Available in 500ml refillable bottles
Fa La La La La – Winter Ale
- 7.5% ABV | 85 BU
- Centennial hops take the reins with evergreen and ripe citrus, with a resounding chorus of Pilsner, Crystal, and Red X malts echoing the refrain. This IPA is full of love, goodwill, and is as crisp as a bluebird winter morning. Peace, love, and beers!
- Available in 12oz refillable bottle 6-packs
Both beers are available now at Double Mountain locations. Fa La La La La returns in 12 oz. six-packs, while Drawknife makes its debut in 500ml refillable bottles.
Whether you’re in the mood for a familiar winter favorite or something new from the cellar, we’ve got you covered. Plus, keep an eye out for another bourbon barrel-aged beer coming this March to celebrate 20 years. Peace, love, and beers!
Learn more at www.doublemountainbrewery.com
