Sips & Sites & Bites

Fans of beer and bourbon go hand-in-hand. And there’s exciting news in this realm, as Four Roses Distillery and Brooklyn Brewery teamed up again to release the fifth edition of the 2023 Brooklyn Black Ops. 

This Russian Imperial Stout beer, clocking in at 12% ABV, was aged in hand-selected Four Roses’ Small Batch Bourbon barrels for nine months. And that time in the barrel imparted a flavor profile of cocoa nib and milk chocolate with a vanilla-forward oak presence. In fact, the bourbon’s subtle flavor notes, paired with the beer’s complex character, really makes for an exceptional drink.

This year’s partnership will also see the celebration of two milestones for both brands, as Four Roses marks 135 years of bourbon, and Brooklyn Brewery celebrates 35 years of making beer. 

And to note, this barrel-aged beer release sees updated packaging, as Four Roses had a brand refresh earlier this year.

Brooklyn Brewery’s brewmaster, Garrett Oliver, said, “Black Ops is a modern classic with its own personality … brisk, light on its feet, and complex without being heavy. The Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon barrels take this beer where no other barrels could carry it, and I’m very proud of working with Brent and Four Roses’ brilliant team.”

Brent Elliott, Four Roses master distiller, echoed the sentiments, saying, “Getting to work with Garrett and the Brooklyn Brewery team to create a product that celebrates the complementary notes of bourbon and beer is something we look forward to every year. This year felt particularly special as we’re both celebrating important milestones for our companies. The flavor that our bourbon barrels impart on Brooklyn Brewery’s complex stout creates a truly harmonious beer that we think Black Ops fans will really enjoy.”

The limited edition 2023 Brooklyn Black Ops is available in 16-ounce four-packs for a suggested price of $19.99 throughout the U.S. where Brooklyn Brewery products are sold as well as the Four Roses Distillery visitor center located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

For more information, check out https://brooklynbrewery.com/brooklyn-beers/limited/black-ops.