Surly Releasing GABF Medal Winners Barrel-Aged Darkness & Surly Lemonade

Surly is releasing not one but two Great American Beer Fest medal winners this week. While they couldn’t be more different stylistically, the shared commitment to craft and quality is readily apparent.

The 2024 edition of Barrel-Aged Darkness (Gold, 2016) aged in 10 and 12-Year Elijah Craig Bourbon barrels. Malty, intense, yet velvety smooth, expect waves of chocolate, vanilla, dried fruit, and cherry, all enhanced by time well spent with the barrel oak and its previous occupant. Look for it in boxed 16-oz. cans and on draft, with art from 2023 Darkness Artist Justin Boehne.

Surly Lemonade (Bronze, 2023) makes its seasonal return as well. We spent 2022 trialing different versions in the Surly Beer Hall, landed on a winner, and clearly chose wisely. Slightly tart with balanced sweetness, Surly Lemonade squeezes fresh flavor into every single drop. Bright, crisp, and lemony, it’s incredibly drinkable and refreshing, especially as the warm weather returns.

Find it on draft, in 6 and 12-packs at your preferred craft beer outlet, and in the occasional tallboy at your favorite sporting event, golf course, and more.

Both beers are available to all Surly markets.

The particulars:

Barrel-Aged Darkness

• ABV: 12%
• Hops: Warrior, Amarillo, Simcoe. More of an aromatic hop presence than other Russian imperial stouts, although more subtle in this edition thanks to the ample bourbon notes.
• Malts: 2-Row, Simpson’s Golden Promise, Crystal, Dark Crystal, Oats, Black Malt, Chocolate Malt, Roasted Barley.
• Special Guest: Belgian Dark Candi Sugar.
• Pour: Black.
• Bitterness: Low.
• Special Guests: 10 and 12-Year Elijah Craig Bourbon barrels used for aging.

Surly Lemonade

• ABV: 5.5%
• Hops: Warrior
• Malt: 2-Row, Honey Malt, Carafoam, Acidulated, Carahell, Flaked Oats
• Yeast: English Ale
• Pour: Straw
• Bitterness: Low
• Special Guests: Lemon Extract, Proprietary Organic Acid Bland