A groundbreaking creation is set to captivate beer enthusiasts as Wild Heaven's Electric Avenue, the latest in their series of collaborations with Bulleit Whiskey, makes its appearance this week. This unique brew marks the eighth venture between these two powerhouses, blending tradition with innovation. At its core lies a barleywine-inspired concoction enriched with German Munich malts, an unprecedented style for the Beer Street Journal in over a decade. The journey began in 2020 with "95 Shilling," and now evolves into this exceptional offering that showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of head brewer Josh Franks.
The foundation of this collaboration rests on the dynamic interplay between brewing and distillation expertise. Freshly emptied barrels from Bulleit traverse 437 miles to Wild Heaven's facilities, where they are filled with the carefully crafted recipes devised by Franks and co-founder Eric Johnson. Each of the seven previous beers has demonstrated the profound impact of utilizing these fresh barrels. For Electric Avenue, inspiration struck during a visit to the Bulleit Distillery, where Boulevardier cocktails sparked the concept of a "Bulleit-vardier." Achieving the desired herbal and bitter notes required the inclusion of Gentian root, rhubarb root, and Angelica.
Josh Franks elucidates the thought process behind selecting the perfect beer style to harmonize with the cocktail vision. He found affinity between Munich malt profiles and red vermouth, leading to the innovative Munichwine style. This fusion promises an unparalleled sensory experience, culminating in a special media preview at Wild Heaven’s Toco Hills location.
This limited-time release will be available in 12-ounce cans and on draft starting mid-March 2025. With a robust 9.6% ABV, it invites connoisseurs to savor the intricate layers of flavor imparted by bourbon barrel aging and botanical enhancements.
As Wild Heaven continues to push boundaries, Electric Avenue stands testament to their commitment to excellence and creativity. Beer aficionados eagerly await the opportunity to indulge in this masterpiece, which redefines the art of barrel-aged brews infused with unexpected twists.