Old 'Stache Whiskey Barrel Porter

For some, the coming of spring is signified by a Robin sighting or the sound of ice breaking up on the lake. For me, it’s Old ‘Stache Whiskey Barrel Porter at Tamarack Brewery.  I look forward to the day this fabulous concoction comes out with great anticipation during our dreary Montana winters. 

                                                    

I first discovered the wonderful combination of beer and bourbon at Magic Hat Brewery in Burlington, Vermont and I now seek it out like Dracula seeks blood.  While we're on the subject, the inability to get Magic Hat beer is really the only thing I dislike about living in the west. Well, that and the fact that I haven’t experience a decent thunderstorm since 1995.

But back to Old ‘Stache.  To make a whiskey infused beer, the beer must be aged in bourbon oak barrels for several months, obviously a time consuming process which is why, I would guess, it isn’t a common type of beer.  According to Tamarack’s website, this particular beer is an old-style Porter brewed inside bourbon barrels for over 100 days.  The result is an extremely flavorful drink with a beautiful dark caramel color. It tastes mostly like a Porter but there is strong hint of bourbon that slips in and thankfully lingers after the initial sip. Tamarack serves it in a snifter glass instead of the usual pint glass.  Not only is it fun to drink beer out of snifter but at 8.9% alcohol it packs a wallop and should be slowly sipped to experience all its deliciousness. 

During a quick chat with our extremely friendly and accommodating bartender at the Missoula taphouse, I learned that Old ‘Stache is so named because one of the owners of Tamarack is known for his formidable mustache and his birthday is in February which is also why it comes out this time of year. 

Run, don’t walk to Tamarack Brewery in Missoula or Lakeside.  This beer goes very fast. While you’re there, try their fabulous food, too.  I highly recommend the chicken enchiladas and Dave swears by their ribs.