Today in my inbox I received a press release from the folks at Redhook announcing their new Limited Release 8-4-1 Expedition Ale. It is an American-style Strong Brown Ale “developed by eight Redhook brewers working in four teams of two to create one beer. The ale reflects a compilation of each team’s individual recipes that were then carefully blended into one distinct beer.”  I have to admit, that’s pretty impressive.  I don’t know too many homebrewers who can agree enough about styles and techniques to be able to collaborate.  Just kidding, folks. Well . . . . I’ve still got a bottle of Redhook’s last limited release, Treblehook Barleywine, waiting to be opened. From the sounds of it, I’d better make room for this one as well. 

According to Greg Deuhs, Redhook’s brewmaster, 8-4-1 Expedition Ale has a “combination of brown sugar and honey, paired with a variety of rich specialty and smoked malts” and is  “aged for months with oak chips.” It reportedly checks in at 9.5% abv, 55 IBUs with a malty sweetness, medium bitterness and hints of smoke. Now that’s more than enough to pique my curiosity.

It is available for a limited time in 22 oz bottles and on draught.  Perhaps we’ll find a keg at the Rhino in Missoula, or arriving at Worden’s or the Good Food Store in short order. (Graphic courtesy of Redhook Ale Brewery.)