Manchester
Step inside Elicit Brewing’s Barrel House, where time, wood, and craft create unforgettable flavor. Discover how patience, blending, and creativity turn beer into pure art.
Ever wondered what’s happening behind those wooden doors marked Barrel House? Hint: it smells like vanilla, oak, and a little bit like pure anticipation.
For us at Elicit Brewing, the Barrel House is where patience meets creativity. It’s not just a room; it’s a heartbeat. This is where science quietly mixes with intuition, where we let time do what it does best. Inside those beer barrels, flavors deepen, mellow, and sometimes surprise us completely.
Today, we’re giving you a peek at how we age and blend for big flavor, the kind of beer that feels like an experience more than just a drink.
If you’ve never been inside one, a Barrel House might sound mysterious. But really, it’s simple; it’s actually where beer rests, matures, and learns to tell a story. Picture rows of oak barrels, lined up in quiet, steady air. The temperature never rushes; the light stays soft. Every barrel holds beer that’s slowly transforming into something richer than when it started.
For us, this process was a natural next step in our brewing journey. We’ve always believed craft is about evolution, so building a dedicated Barrel House felt right. It’s not storage; it’s where the beer evolves, takes a breath, and becomes something extraordinary.
There’s something poetic about beer aging in wood. You know, the way the beer soaks into the oak and back out again, carrying whispers of whatever came before, bourbon, whiskey, or wine. It’s science, sure, but it’s also kind of romantic.
When we let beer rest inside these wooden barrels, it’s like giving it a chance to breathe. The wood introduces hints of vanilla, spice, and sometimes even smoke. Every barrel adds its own twist. Bourbon barrels lend a warm sweetness; wine barrels leave traces of fruit and tannin. The natural oxidation from the wood smooths the beer out; it’s subtle, but you can taste it.
The funny thing about aging is that you can’t rush it. Months go by, sometimes years, while we check in, taste, and wait. Each beer tells us when it’s ready. It’s almost like raising kids; every barrel grows up a little differently. Patience isn’t optional; it’s the ingredient that makes all the difference.
See our barrel-aged lineup on the tap next time you stop by.
The process starts long before we ever pour a glass. It’s a journey of choices, timing, and a little trust in nature.
We start by choosing barrels that once held bourbon, rye, or red wine. Each has a different story to tell, and that story becomes part of the beer. Sometimes we reuse barrels because, honestly, a good barrel has a lot more to give. Sustainability’s just built into the rhythm of craft.
Once we fill them, the waiting begins. The air smells a little sweet, a little woody. Some of the beer slowly evaporates, the ‘angel’s share,’ as brewers call it. That loss actually makes what remains richer.
Our brewers taste each barrel regularly, taking small samples and scribbling notes. It’s careful, but it’s also intuitive. Sometimes we blend for balance, other times for surprise. One barrel might bring chocolate depth, another a whisper of smoke, another a spark of acidity. Together, they create something new.
When the flavor hits that perfect note, it’s showtime. We bottle or keg it, and those limited releases become events of their own. If you’ve ever joined one of our seasonal drops, you know that buzz, it’s excitement, anticipation, and a little pride, all in one pour.
Get notified of our next release.
We get a lot of questions about which beers shine best after wood aging, and the truth is, each has its own magic.
Big, bold, and unapologetically rich. Ours carries smooth notes of chocolate, coffee, and bourbon warmth. It’s the kind of beer you sip slowly, maybe with dessert or a plate of smoked ribs from our kitchen. Check out the best pairings suggestions with stouts.
These are more easygoing but just as complex. You get caramel, oak, and a little bit of that cozy sweetness that pairs perfectly with a cheese board.
Then there are our wild ones, the experimental batches where we mix styles just to see what happens. Maybe a stout meets a sour, or an ale spends time in a wine barrel. Those moments remind us why we love what we do.
Check what’s aging now on our On Tap list.
This is where brewing stops being a formula and turns into something more like art. No two barrels age the same way, which means blending becomes the final creative act. It’s where we mix smoky with sweet, chocolate with oak, bourbon with caramel, until everything feels balanced and bright.
Blending is about personality, not perfection. It’s where our brewers get to play, experiment, and push flavor boundaries. Sometimes, a blend surprises even us. And that’s kind of the fun part.
Meet the team behind these blends.
For us, barrel aging is more than a technique; it’s a mindset. It’s where patience meets passion and where the real craft happens. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching time turn simple beer into something layered and soulful.
It also brings our community together. Barrel releases turn into gatherings, tasting nights, or just casual hangouts where people share stories over a glass. It’s why we do what we do: community, creativity, and great flavor for everyone.
Visit our Barrel House or plan your next tasting night with us.
If you’re new to barrel-aged beer, here’s the secret: start small, sip slow, and give it a little time to open up. These beers are often stronger, so take your time and enjoy the complexity. Ask our team for pairing suggestions, they’ll know exactly what matches your pour. And hey, snap a photo and tag us while you’re at it. Barrel-aged beers are worth celebrating.
See what’s on tap tonight at your nearest Elicit location.
It’s where beer ages in wooden barrels for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the beer.
Most have a higher ABV, but balance is always the goal.
Check our taproom events; we often host behind-the-scenes tours or tasting nights.
There’s nothing quite like stepping into a brewery, where time, craft, and creativity all meet in every oak barrel. From our smooth stouts to our experimental blends, every sip tells a story that started months ago, and it’s one we’re always excited to share.
See what’s aging now at Elicit.
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