With the Boundary Bay Bistro losing its lease and scheduled to close by the end of October, Wee stopped in for a last goodbye in July and were fortunate enough to find the legendary 2024 Cabin Fever was still available on tap.
As Bellingham’s oldest brewery at nearly three decades of crafting Northwest favorites, here is everything you need to know about the 2024 vintage of this winter classic.
The Seasonal Essential: 2024 Cabin Fever Winter Ale
Cabin Fever is more than just a “Winter Warmer”; it is an institution. This craft beer is specifically designed to be “deceptively strong”; it drinks with a velvety smoothness that masks its robust alcohol content, thanks to an extended cold-conditioning period.
The 2024 Profile
The 2024 standard release holds true to the rich, malty heritage that fans expect:
- The Stats: 9.0% ABV | 32 IBU
- The Build: A complex grist of 2-Row Pale, Munich, Crystal, Carastan, Chocolate malt, and Oats.
- The Hops: A balanced blend of Zeus, Simcoe®, Willamette, and Hallertau provides a spicy, earthy counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Tasting Notes: Expect a deep mahogany pour with aromas of toffee, biscuit, and light chocolate. The oats provide a full-bodied mouthfeel that finishes with a gentle citrus snap.
The “Frenz” of the Boundary Bay Cellar: 2024 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Series
For those looking for something even more substantial, Boundary Bay has dipped into their cellar. This year’s barrel-aged releases were matured in locally sourced barrels from Doc Swinson’s, a world-class whiskey blender based right in Ferndale, WA.
2024 BBA Cabin Fever
The crown jewel of the winter lineup. Aging Cabin Fever in bourbon barrels transforms the base beer’s fruitiness into something truly decadent.
- ABV: A massive 15% (barrel-strength)
- The Experience: Intense aromas of plum and dark stone fruit meld with boozy oak and vanilla. It is a slow-sipper meant for a fireplace and good company.
2024 BBA Holiday Fever
If you want the liquid equivalent of a Christmas party, this is it. Boundary Bay takes the barrel-aged Cabin Fever and “spikes” it with a festive blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove, and ginger. It’s basically a holiday spice cake in a snifter.
A Legacy of 29 Years
Part of the magic of drinking Cabin Fever at the Boundary Bay Bistro is the history. Having opened in 1995, Boundary Bay is Bellingham’s longest-running brewery. When you sit in the taproom today, you are drinking a beer that has been a staple of the community through decades of “Cabin Fever” weather.
Pro Tip: While Cabin Fever is available in 12oz cans and on draft throughout the PNW, the Bourbon Barrel-Aged variants are largely found in hand-dipped 22oz wax-sealed bottles and on draft exclusively at the brewery in downtown Bellingham.
How to Enjoy the 2024 Vintage
Pairing: At the Boundary Bay Bistro, pair the standard Cabin Fever with their famous Meatloaf or a hearty Yam Enchilada. For the BBA version, go straight for the Chocolate Flourless Cake.
Temperature Matters: Don’t drink this straight from the fridge. Let your glass sit for 10–15 minutes; as it warms, the chocolate and toffee notes will open up significantly.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
