Union Barrelhouse, located in Old Town Scottsdale, has partnered with Four Peaks Brewery on a “Choose Your Own Barrel” program in cooperation with the Four Roses Bourbon Distillery in Louisville, Ky.
The end result will be a unique Four Peaks Brewery beer aged in a one-of-a-kind bourbon barrel and made available by Union Barrelhouse. Union Barrelhouse is located at 3636 N. Scottsdale Road.
Union Barrelhouse’s Anthony Georgoulis selected this barrel exclusively from a bourbon distillery in Kentucky.
The Scottsdale firm was selected to participate in a unique “Choose Your Own Barrel Program” with the Four Roses Bourbon Distillery. The firm was chosen to participate in the venture thanks to support from one of its distributors, Young’s Market in Arizona.
A representative of Union Barrelhouse, Anthony Georgoulis, was flown to Kentucky for a first-hand look at the bourbon-making process. The event was hosted by famed Master Distiller Jim Rutledge, a legend in the region and in the spirits industry. Mr. Rutledge hand-picked 10 unique full barrels based on 10 proprietary mash bills and yeast combinations.
Mr. Georgoulis, was able to taste all 10 barrels, which varied in terms of aging, mash bills, taste profile, proof, etc. Out of the 10 barrels that were sampled by Mr. Georgoulis, he hand-picked barrel No. 6. The barrel was picked for its strong oak finish, and more balanced profile than the others. He chose a barrel that is rich in character and accessible to the wide range of palates and bourbon lovers.
After he signed the barrel and sent it to Arizona for bottling and distribution, Union Barrelhouse created labels that show the four Roses Iconic graphic, with the UBH label stating recipe and bottling details. It will contain information such as “Bottled September 2015” and state “bottled exclusively for Union Barrelhouse.”
In order to maximize this project, Union Barrelhouse has worked out a partnership with Four Peaks Brewery. Four Peaks will age one of its beer in the barrel for a time, then keg it and make it available for distribution by Union Barrelhouse.
The unique product — Four Peaks beer aged in a rare bourbon barrel — is expected to be made available around Christmas.
The Scottsdale Independent is published monthly and mailed to 75,000 homes and businesses in Scottsdale.