There are some things in life that simply cannot be rushed. A fine whiskey, a deep friendship, and perhaps most importantly, a truly exceptional barrel-aged stout.
If you’ve been following the Pacific Northwest craft scene, you know that 7 Seas Brewing has mastered the “slow and steady” approach with their annual Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout. This isn’t just a craft beer; it’s a time capsule of local craftsmanship and patience.
The Craft of Barrel-Aged: Where Wood Meets Wort
The magic of the 7 Seas Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout begins long before the first pour. For the recent 2024 and 2025 vintages, the brew team has been aging this “liquid gold” for anywhere from 12 to 36 months.
To get that signature depth, they lean on their Washington neighbors, sourcing barrels from local icons like Woodinville Whiskey Co. and Pursuit Distilling Co. which results in a craft beer that rests in a rotating blend of:
- Bourbon Barrels: For those classic notes of vanilla, caramel, and charred oak.
- Rye Whiskey Barrels: To add a subtle, peppery spice that cuts through the richness.
- Port Barrels: (Featured in the 2025 blend) Adding a layer of dark fruit and vinous complexity.
Craft Beer Tasting Notes: A Symphony in a Glass
When you crack open a bottle, the first thing you’ll notice is the viscosity. This is a “stain-your-glass” kind of stout; deep, dark, and imposing.
- The Aroma: Expect a massive hit of melted fudge, toasted walnuts, and a distinct “whiff” of campfire.
- The Palate: At roughly 9.9% to 10.4% ABV (depending on the vintage), it’s warming but remarkably smooth. You’ll find layers of bittersweet mocha, dark chocolate, and black licorice.
- The Finish: The barrel really shines here. Because 7 Seas focuses on “barrel complexity” rather than the sugary sweetness of modern pastry stouts, you get a clean, drying finish of oak tannins and a lingering whiskey warmth.
“It’s an old-school barrel-aged stout. No frills, no glitter; just high-quality malt and world-class barrels.”
A Wee Frequent Stop at 7 Seas
The 7 Seas Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout is a testament to the brewery’s dedication to the “Vintage Ale” series and we try to stop in and have a glass whenever we can (Gig Harbor or Tacoma). In an era of “pastry” stouts filled with cookies and candy, 7 Seas reminds us that the best flavors often come from the wood itself.
Whether you’re tucking a bottle away in your cellar for another year or sharing it by the fire tonight, this is a brew meant for slow sips and good conversation.
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.
