Your source for breaking news on craft beer's latest arrivals & limited releases.
If you haven’t heard the news, the original Newcastle Brown Ale is back! Some of you might remember the “reimagined” Newcastle recipe that was brewed at Lagunitas. That experiment is no more. Newcastle is once again brewed in Britain, and delivers the look, aroma, and flavor of classic Newcastle. Whether it’s been years since you last cracked opened a Newcastle, or you’re tasting it for the first time, join us as we fill our glasses with this sessionable pub classic, and raise a toast to its return.
Newcastle Brown Ale
Pouring mahogany in color with sparkling garnet highlights, a mix of nutty malt and fruity yeast aromatics floats above the beige colored foam. Light in body, it glides effortlessly across the palate, leaving it awash with flavors of caramel, chocolate, and a hint of apricot. The finish is refreshingly crisp and dry, delivering a vinous sherry note that’s followed by hints of walnut, date, and plum. This iconic pub ale pairs marvelously with burgers as well as nearly any pub fare, especially fish and chips.
Back in 2024, The Whiskey Hotline visited Heaven Hill to hand select some Elijah Craig bourbon barrels. When it came time to find a home for these exceptional barrels, we turned to our friends at Maplewood. For this collaborative project, we opted for their decadent Cuppa imperial stout recipe as the base, but in lieu of adjuncts, we focused on extended aging, allowing the complex character of the bourbon and oak to take center stage. After 28 months of oaken slumber, this silken stout is finally ready to see the light of day. Stop in to secure some of this extremely limited release and join us as we raise a glass to the start of stout season.
Maplewood Barrel Aged Cuppa Binny's Select
Pouring jet black in color with a silken sheen, aromas of chocolate ganache, vanilla bean, and cherry cola float from the glass. Voluptuously thick upon the tongue, it enrobes the palate with a blanket of bittersweet chocolate, followed by flavors of apricot preserves and tiramisu. The finish is decadent and spirited, with the richness of chocolate covered strawberries and candied walnuts fading into a lingering bourbon spice.
Previously available only at the brewery on Dark Lord Day, barrel aged Dark Lord is one of the most iconic imperial stouts in the history of craft. In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, Three Floyds proudly presents Dark Lord XXX. This commemorative edition of barrel aged Dark Lord is packaged in four packs of 12oz bottles, so there’s no need to save for a special occasion or wait for that epic bottle share. Put on some metal, pop open a bottle, and throw those horns in the air. Cheers to 30 years!
Three Floyds Dark Lord XXX
Pouring black as night, aromas of coffee, vanilla, and bourbon-soaked oak emerge from the glass. Plush upon the palate, it begins with a burst of brown sugar sweetness, followed by a wave of chocolate covered caramel. The whiskey-soaked finish delivers lavish mocha fudge, topped with bourbon buttercream.
Not in the mood for a massive barrel aged stout? How about a classic American stout? No adjuncts, no barrel aging, just a carefully composed grain bill that delivers a remarkable depth of flavor. While you might be intimidated by its jet-black color, Original Reaper is neither heavy nor strong. Don’t fear the reaper.
Half Acre Original Reaper
Black in color and topped with tan colored foam, the nose here is rich and roasty, offering pronounced aromas of cocoa and coffee. A mix of pale, Munich, Carafa, and chocolate malts delivers caramel and dark chocolate flavors, while the addition of roasted barley imparts a bold espresso note. Big in flavor yet artfully balanced, it finishes with enough crispness to make it satisfyingly complex, yet easy to enjoy by the pint.
Just in time for cooler weather, New Belgium Oakspire returns. This beloved seasonal sports a touch of rye, but the real magic is thanks to a proprietary aging process, involving a massive amount of bourbon-soaked oak spirals and chunks of charred bourbon barrels. Both the nose and finish feature a pronounced bourbon character that fans of traditional barrel aged beer will find familiar, yet the body is surprisingly light, making this a dangerously drinkable 9%er.
New Belgium Oakspire
Pouring polished copper in color, aromas of maple and bourbon float from the glass. Soft and creamy across the palate, it begins with a burst of honeyed malt sweetness, followed by notes of allspice and caramel. The finish is bold and spirited, with spicy bourbon giving way to tangy baked apples.
This week we’re excited to announce the arrival of a barrel aged rarity from Allagash. Cabin Weekend captures the spirit of the harvest season, marrying a delectable bourbon barrel aged brown ale with freshly pressed apple juice and sweet mulling spices. Normally you’d have to travel to Maine for this brewery only release, but we managed to secure some cases of this exceptional ale. Supply is very limited, so grab some before it’s gone!
Allagash Cabin Weekend
Pouring auburn into the glass, aromas of maple syrup, baked apples, and vanilla bean, float atop the cream-colored foam. Medium in body and plush across the palate, its layered malt complexity is thanks to an impressive grain bill featuring Caramel Malt, Cara 45, Special B, Raw Oats, Red and Midnight Wheat. Freshly pressed apple juice provides an invigorating burst of acidity, resulting in a caramel apple character that’s paradoxically both decadent and refreshing. The finish is bright and spirited, accented by notes of lemon zest, cinnamon, and bourbon-soaked oak. Pair with aged cheddar cheese, apple pie, and relaxing by the campfire.
The annual hop harvest presents a short window where hops can head straight off the bines and into the kettle. Sierra’s Northern Hemisphere features whole-cone Centennial hops that were immediately trucked to the brewery after picking. Unlike most hops which are kiln dried after picking, these “wet hops” sport a very high moisture content. As such, around four times as many hops go into this wet hopped beer vs a traditional IPA. A costly venture that requires meticulous planning and logistics, once you crack open a can, you’ll understand why Sierra Nevada remains committed to this laborious brew.
Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest Wet Hop IPA
Pouring a striking shade of crimson colored amber, dank and citrusy aromas leap from the glass, delivering pronounced grapefruit zest and cedar. Medium in body, richly caramelized malt imparts a brown sugar sweetness that’s quickly overtaken by a massive wave of bittersweet citrus. The finish is fresh, floral, and vibrant, with a hint of rose petal giving way to lasting grapefruit and pine. Serve cool but not ice cold, for the fullest expression of hop flavors and aromas. A must try for fans of Sierra Nevada Celebration, think of this as a kindred brew, turned up to 11.
From their flagship Amber Ale to their renowned Smoked Porter, Alaskan Brewing Company’s award-winning portfolio showcases an expansive brewing prowess that’s cemented them as an icon of the American craft beer movement. Alaskan’s 40th Anniversary Ale features some of the Alder smoked malt that’s the backbone of their Smoked Porter, but the star of the show is birch syrup from Alaska’s Kahiltna Birchworks. Notoriously hard to produce, it takes over 100 gallons of birch sap to make one gallon of syrup! The molasses-esq minerality of this birch syrup is artfully offset by the addition of wildflower honey. The resulting interplay of flavors is well thought out and masterfully executed. As you sip on this stunning imperial stout, check out this episode of the Binny’s Podcast, where the Barrel to Bottle crew discuss the fascinating history of Alaskan Brewing with owners Geoff and Marcy Larson.
Alaskan 40th Anniversary Ale
Pouring jet black in color and topped with an impressive crown of mocha-colored foam, the nose here is remarkably unique, delivering a woodsy spruce note alongside aromas of sarsaparilla, molasses, and pipe tobacco. Luxuriously full in body, a bittersweet chocolate malt character washes across the tongue, followed by the earthy minerality of birch syrup, which is quickly brightened by a hint of honey sweetness. The expressive finish is lasting and layered, delivering sweet smoke, candied walnut, and a hint of licorice. A great candidate for the cellar - store it upright in a cool, dark place, and revisit throughout the years to see how it develops with time.
In the craft community, hops tend to steal the spotlight, but premium malts can transform a good recipe into something exceptional. The Women of Binny’s partnered with Chicago’s Midwest Coast Brewing Company to craft a riff on their beloved American-style brown ale. Women of Binny’s Brown is an English-style brown ale showcasing English malts, hops, and yeast. The malt bill includes Maris Otter and Golden Promise, a pair of heritage barleys from Simpsons Malt, a fifth-generation family-owned maltster. The finished brew is rich in character, yet soft and sessionable. Stop in, stock up, and share some pints with friends.
Midwest Coast Women of Binny's Brown Ale
Pouring reddish-brown in color and topped with cream colored foam, richly roasted malt aromas float from the glass. Medium in body, it glides softly across the palate, delivering a nutty malt character that’s accented by notes of cocoa and caramel. The finish is refreshingly dry and lean, with brown and chocolate malts imparting lasting notes of coffee and dark chocolate.
There once was a roasty oatmeal stout by the name of Velvet Merlin. Much like the illusive wizard, this beguiling brew often changes forms. A touch of lactose, a sprinkling of cocoa and coffee beans, and Mocha Merlin emerges. Fans of Mocha Merlin do not want to miss Parabolita Mocha Latte. It’s a deft blending of Parabola and Velvet Merlin that’s infused with vanilla, cocoa nibs, and coffee. Pillowy soft and deliciously decadent, The Wizard, works his magic, yet again.
Firestone Walker Parabolita Mocha Latte
Pouring jet black in color and topped with tan foam, the nose offers an alluring mix of cocoa, coffee and vanilla bean. Silken across the tongue, it envelops the palate with chocolate, caramel, and cappuccino. The finish is decadent and spirited, with lasting notes of black cherry, sarsaparilla, and bourbon-soaked oak.
Old, Mild, Bitter… the English were not great at naming beer styles. Despite their lack luster monikers, these classic ales share an endearing common thread - they’re all deliciously sessionable brews, perfectly suited for long nights at the pub with friends. Pollyanna’s latest release brings the comforting refreshment of the pub to the palm of your hand. A faithful homage to the traditional English bitter, it’s built with prized Maris Otter malt from Thomas Faucet & Sons of Castleford, West Yorkshire, England. Even the water chemistry was adjusted to replicate the mineral rich water that accentuates the crisp finish of a classic British bitter. Clocking in at just 4% ABV, it’s proof that a well crafted pub ale can deliver remarkable flavor, body, and balance – all at a sessionable strength that leaves you eager for another glass.
Pollyanna Pub Ale
Pouring burnished gold in color and sparkling in the glass, English ale yeast imparts fruity aromatics to the nose, with a pronounced apricot note floating atop the foam. Crafted with the revered heritage malt Maris Otter, the addition brown and Victory malts further accentuate its lovely nutty character with toasted and biscuity malt accents. East Kent Golding hops shine on the finish, imparting a refreshingly herbaceous hop cut, with a lasting kiss of bittersweet marmalade. Impeccably balanced and a joy to drink, this is a must try alongside pub favorites like fish and chips.
The leaves are changing color, and the nights are getting colder; fall is in full swing. What’s in your cup – pumpkin beer, a wet hop IPA, an Oktoberfest lager? Brisk autumn days leave us thirsty for cider, and Schilling makes some of the best hard ciders on our shelves. Located in Washington state, Schilling uses juice from freshly pressed apples grown in the Pacific Northwest when fermenting their ciders. We’re excited to announce the return of Maple Moment, a delicious limited release that’s perfect for fall weather. Crafted with apples, pears, and maple syrup – there’s nothing artificial here. Sit down, take a break, and enjoy a Maple Moment.
Schilling Maple Moment
Pouring polished copper in color, aromas of maple, pear, and vanilla leap from the glass. Ripe pear and juicy apple combine with maple to deliver flavors reminiscent of a cider donut topped with maple icing. A fresh pop of green apple acidity keeps the finish refreshingly crisp. Don’t miss out on this mouth-watering release!
Rob Tod opened Allagash Brewing Company in 1995. At the time a one-man operation, he welded together a 15-barrel brewing system with a singular focus in mind, to brew a Belgian-style witbier. Over the past three decades, Allagash has amassed an impressive lineup of award-winning brews, and we’re excited to welcome back one of their finest creations. Their classic Belgian-style dubbel returns as the limited autumnal release – Foliage Report.
Allagash Foliage Report
Pouring auburn into the glass, aromas of baked apples, maple, and clove, float atop a crown of beige colored foam. The layered malt complexity is thanks to an impressive grain bill comprised of 2-Row, Victory, Carapils, Extra Special, Caramel 20, Malted Red Wheat, Munich, and Black malt. In addition, the use of dark candi syrup is a classic Belgian brewing technique that amplifies the caramelized malt character and imparts a dark fruit character reminiscent of raisin and fig. Nugget and Saaz hops provide just enough woodsy hop bitterness to balance. The finish is complex, yet refreshingly crisp, with caramel and dark chocolate giving way to flavors of dried plum, apricot, and allspice. A masterpiece that stands toe to toe with the best that Belgium has to offer.
Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time to stock up on pumpkin beer. Even if pumpkin beer is not normally your thing, we’ve got one that might change your mind. Big Muddy Pumpkin Smasher is brewed with actual pumpkins, making it one of the few pumpkin beers that truly tastes like pumpkin pie. An enduring classic that is not to be missed!
Big Muddy Pumpkin Smasher
Pouring pale amber into the glass, aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove float from the foam. Medium in body, it’s soft and creamy on the palate, evoking the richness of pumpkin pie. The finish is spicy, yet refreshingly balanced, with lingering notes of nutmeg and vanilla.
Each fall we anxiously await the arrival of “fresh” or “wet” hopped beers. While most hops are picked and processed into dried hop pellets, wet hopped beers are made with freshly picked whole cone hops. Freshly picked hops are highly perishable, so breweries need to be ready to brew within a day or two of harvest. Amazingly aromatic, a good wet hop ale is like taking a walk between the hop bines. This year’s batch of 3 Floyds Broo Doo was made with freshly picked Centennial hops expedited to Indiana from the Yakima Valley - America’s premier hop growing region!
Three Floyds Broo Doo
Pouring burnished amber orange and crowned with white foam, it’s floral and citrusy on the nose, with grapefruit and lemon peel aromatics floating from the glass. Medium in body, a touch of caramel malt sweetness is followed by a rush of citrus and pine. The finish is vibrant and bittersweet, with lasting grapefruit and tangerine.
Mention Voodoo Ranger and no doubt a lengthy list of juicy IPAs come to mind, but one of the first Voodoo Ranger releases was a pumpkin beer! Bringing new meaning to pumpkin spice, New Belgium throws some habanero chili peppers into the mix. A touch of caramel malt, a dusting of cinnamon, and the tingle of sweet heat make this a great partner for chili and BBQ.
New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin
Pouring pale orange amber in color, the spicy aroma of cinnamon floats above a crown of tan colored foam. Medium in body, a bready malt note gives way to a richly caramelized character that’s accented by a fruity hint of habanero. The hop character here is minimal, with just enough bitterness to balance the malt sweetness. The mix of cinnamon and chili pepper produces a slow burn on the finish, which continues to build after each sip. An enduring autumnal favorite that delivers a good amount of heat without overwhelming.
Wisconsin loves their brandy. In fact, Wisconsin drinks more brandy than any other state in the U.S. It's the key ingredient in a Wisconsin-style Old Fashioned Cocktail and Central Waters Call Me Old Fashioned is an homage to this supper club staple. We've tried a lot of cocktail inspired beers over the years - this might be the best. Amidst a deep portfolio of world class beers, this is one of Central Waters’ finest creations.
Central Waters Call Me Old Fashioned
A blend of bourbon, brandy, and orange curacao barrel aged beer, this imperial red ale is brewed with cherries and seasoned with genuine Angostura bitters. Like a great cocktail, the beauty here lies in the remarkably layered, yet balanced depth of flavors. Built with a sturdy malt backbone, caramel malt sweetness is offset by the snap of bright citrus and tart cherry. This unique ale artfully combines the richness and mouthfeel of a big barrel aged beer, with the spirited lift of a classic cocktail. Make sure to enjoy cool, not cold, for the fullest expression of flavors and aromas.
Art thou ready for high adventure?! Join us as we sail upon the Sea of Swords and fill a tankard with this rum soaked elixir. New Holland and Dungeons & Dragons have once again joined forces to bring you Dragon’s Milk Reserve Coconut Rum Barrel. Decadent Dragon’s Milk stout, laid to rest in Caribbean rum barrels, then finished with 20 pounds of coconut per barrel of beer. Roll on into your local Binny’s and secure your stash, before this legendary brew disappears once again.
New Holland Dragon's Milk Reserve Coconut Rum Barrel collab with Dungeons & Dragons
Pouring nearly black in color with dark amber highlights, the nose here offers aromas of demerara syrup, vanilla bean, allspice, and nutmeg. Soft and creamy upon the tongue, a wave of toasted coconut glides across the palate, followed by flavors of dark chocolate ganache and cherry cola. The finish is bright and spirited, delivering coconut macaroon decadence atop a bed of rum-soaked toasted marshmallow.
When celebrating Oktoberfest, the modern Bavarian festbier offers a refreshing change of pace, but we still love a great old-school marzen. Half Acre’s unconventional take on this classic style incorporates two types of rye and some caramelized Belgian malt into the marzen grain bill. The rye imparts an earthy spice, while the Belgian malt adds a touch of raisin and fig-like fruitiness to the lager’s deeply layered malt profile. Half Acre’s long believed in lagers and Lager Town is one of Chicago’s finest.
Half Acre Lager Town Oktoberfest
Pouring a ruby tinged shade of dark amber and topped with beige colored foam, the aroma of freshly baked rye bread floats above the glass. Medium in body, it begins with a rush of earthy rye spice, followed by notes of toffee, raisin, and dark chocolate. A mixture of German and American hops provide balance, with a fresh herbaceous note giving way to licorice and allspice. A perfect match for hearty Oktoberfest fare like roasted chicken, knackwurst, and sauerbraten.
The Women of Binny’s are back with another stunning collaborative creation. They’ve once again partnered with our friends at Three Floyds, this time for an imperial stout with some old-school reverence to the majesty of malt complexity. Built with barley from Simpson Malt, a revered English maltster that’s remained independent and family owned since 1862 - a blend of Simcoe, Cascade, and Citra hops provides a bit of citrusy bitterness for balance. After a year of oaken slumber in bourbon whiskey barrels, The Morrigan hath awakened. At 14.8% ABV, it’s a spirited force to be reckoned with, delivering a mystifying progression of flavor befitting the ancient Irish goddess for which it is named.
Three Floyds The Morrigan collaboration with Women of Binny's
Pouring black as night and crowned with mocha colored foam, aromas of vanilla bean, cocoa, and blackberry float from the glass. Pillowy soft upon the tongue, it envelops the palate with flavors of toffee, dark chocolate, black walnut, allspice, and fig. The finish is richly layered and spirited, delivering a burst of maple that gives way to spicy gingerbread, followed by flavors of buckwheat honey, licorice, and chocolate-covered orange peel. A formidable stout that bourbon lovers will not want to miss!
Have you noticed that out of the blue, everyone seems to be brewing rye IPAs again? Must all be part of some cosmic unconsciousness. TV party combines the bittersweet and citrusy character of classic Revolution IPAs with the spiciness of rye. Last time we poured this brew, it was from a bomber bottle! Time to dust off the VHS and enjoy this retro rebrew alongside your favorite cult classics.
Revolution TV Party
Sparkling golden in color and topped with white foam, the aroma of fresh lemon, orange, and grapefruit zests floats from the glass. Medium in body, it begins with a juicy burst of orange, followed by flavors of apricot, tangerine, and fresh mint. The finish is invigoratingly bold, leaving the palate awash with bittersweet grapefruit, herbaceous hops, and earthy rye spice.
Sourcing water from the famous artesian spring from which they take their name, Abita Brewing Company’s commitment to quality ingredients has cemented them a place in Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions. Louisiana is known for their love of pecans, and Abita Pecan Ale is made with real pecans, not extracts or natural flavoring. Unlike pralines or pecan pie, don’t expect boatloads of sweetness out of this seasonal release. Roasted Louisiana pecans impart a lovely, nuanced nuttiness to this remarkable amber ale.
Abita Pecan Ale
Pouring orange amber in color, aromas of toffee and honey float from the foam. Medium in body and soft across the palate, a blend of pale, biscuit, and Munich malts creates a biscuity malt richness that’s accented by flavors of caramel and pecan. Willamette hops impart a touch of earthy and herbaceous spice, making this a complex, yet refreshingly balanced brew. One of Abita’s finest creations - stock up before this seasonal disappears.
