As the clock ticks down on the final hours of 2025 at Black Raven Brewing, the air feels a bit heavier, not with gloom, but with the weight of experience. New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with the bright pop of champagne and the fizz of light lagers, but tonight, we’re reaching for something with a bit more soul.
Tonight, we’re toasting with Grandfather Raven.
The Beer in the Glass
If you’ve never had the pleasure, Grandfather Raven is Black Raven Brewing’s Imperial Stout. It is an imposing, pitch-black pour that commands respect the moment it hits the glass. With a thick, mocha-colored head and an aroma of dark chocolate, espresso, and dark fruit, it doesn’t just sit there; it settles in.
It is a “big” beer in every sense of the word, but it carries its strength with a refined, velvety smoothness. It’s the kind of brew that demands you slow down, which makes it the perfect companion for a midnight reflection.
Why the “Grandfather” Fits the Moment
In many mythologies, the Raven is the keeper of secrets and the messenger of change. The “Grandfather” iteration of this bird represents wisdom, the passing of time, and the stories we gather along the way.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we aren’t just looking forward; we are honoring everything that got us here.
- The Boldness: Like the initial roasted bitterness of the stout, the challenges of 2025 tested our grit.
- The Complexity: Like the underlying notes of plum and licorice, our year was rarely one-dimensional.
- The Finish: Smooth, warming, and lingering; a reminder that the good memories stay with us long after the moment passes.
The Black Raven Brewing Midnight Toast
So, find a comfortable chair. Let the beer warm up just a few degrees to unlock its full character. As the countdown begins, raise your glass and join us in this toast:
“To the lessons learned in the dark, and the wisdom we carry into the light. May our spirits be as bold as this stout, our friendships as deep as its color, and our coming year as rich as its finish.”
To the Grandfather Raven in all of us. WeeCheers to 2026!
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.
