Sudwerk Bourbonator Coming 12/11

In this season of winter warmer beers, Sudwerk Bourbonator breaks the mold. The popular lager emerges from hibernation on Friday, at a free event at the Davis brewery.

The dark, potent lager is a barrel-aged version of its winter seasonal, the Doppel Bock Ultimator. But after brewing, instead of going into cold storage tanks for lagering, it’s stored in Kentucky oak bourbon barrels. The technique gives the bock a bourbon component, with flavor hints of vanilla, coconut, chocolate and toffee, without adding spices or flavorings.

It’s a beer for sharing, and is a great gift for a craft beer lover or party host, said Ryan Fry, co-owner of Sudwerk Brewing Co. Unlike the limited shelf life of most beers, Bourbonator will age well. It weighs in at 9 percent ABV and 40 IBU. “This brew definitely fits with the new brewery mission of redefining the American Lager. Like everything we do, it’s balanced, especially for as big of a beer as it is.”

What sets Bourbonator apart from other bourbon-barrel aged beers is that it’s a lager, not an ale. There are not a lot of bourbon-aged lagers, Fry said.

The Bourbonator comes in 22-ounce bottles in a limited release. Sacramento area consumers can find it at Whole Foods, Raley’s, Safeway stores, Nugget Markets, Davis Food Co-op, Total Wine and More, and other select merchants around California. Fans will also find it on tap – in limited release – at select accounts.

Free event: Join Sudwerk on Friday, Dec. 11 for the Bourbonator release party, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the brewery’s taproom, The Dock. Bourbonator will be available on tap and in bottles, and T-shirts featuring the logo will be for sale. Guitarist Ross Hammond will play his mix of jazz, folk, blues and world music.

Building on 25 years of family legacy and brewing tradition, Sudwerk Brewing Co. specializes in artisanal brews, specifically West Coast craft lagers. Its taproom, The Dock Store, at 2001 Second St., Davis, Calif., is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 to 8 p.m. on weekends. It offers a rotating menu of experimental and innovative beers, “honest pints” and growler fills, fresh White Labs brewers’ yeast, and good conversation. Learn more at http://sudwerkbrew.com.