STL Beer News and Notes: Charleville, Center Ice

There are more happenings around the St. Louis beer scene, including some disappointing news from Charleville and new barrel aged beer from Center Ice Brewing.

First, the bad news…

Definitely disappointing, but their regular offering will be available for retail purchase across the city. I’m curious about the exciting stuff to come though; maybe more widespread distribution of Whiskey Scented Santa?

In happier news, Center Ice Brewing has announced the first of their barrel aged

ANNOUNCEMENT: John R. Ferrara Brewing & Blending, our new line of barrel aged beers, launches tomorrow and will be available only in our tasting room.

Named for a great friend of the brewery, John passed away in 2019 following a battle with cancer. John was instrumental not only in helping open Center Ice Brewery but is still today. His son Jack is our assistant brewer and helped make these beers.

Every beer released under the John R. Ferrara name will be aged in barrels, with a special focus on high gravity beers. Our head brewer, Jim Wells, pushed the limits of our brew system and sought out new methods.

The first four releases of JRF Brewing & Blending were inspired by classic styles but made with unconventional methods:

Imperial Stout Aged in Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrels – 11.3%
Scotch Ale Aged in Scotch Barrels – 11.7%
Imperial Irish Coffee Stout Aged in Irish Whiskey Barrels – 10.0%
Champagne Inspired Ale Aged in Chardonnay Barrels – 8.0%

John’s dream was to see us make barrel aged beer. We’re humbled to finally complete that wish and share it with you tomorrow.

In loving memory of John Ferrara

No word on the price at this time, but it’ll probably come out today as people buy them. I’m almost tempted to make the 45 minute trek to get them, as I haven’t been disappointed by Center Ice Beer.