Brew news: WeldWerks launches 2 new Medianoches, Wiley Roots launches membership program just in time for the holidays

WeldWerks Brewing Company’s new Medianoche Antique: SAZ and Blueberry Pancake Medianoche ticket release opens 10 a.m. December 11. Photo courtesy of WeldWerks Brewing Company.

By Emily Kemme

For the beer lover in your life, there’s little better than finding a unique gift for the holidays that is (almost) one of a kind. Two of Greeley’s breweries have just what you’re looking for.

WeldWerks new Medianoche ticket release December 11

WeldWerks Brewing Company got off to a running start with its Medianoche series more than five years ago. These award-winning Imperial stouts are aged in top-shelf bourbon barrels; highly sought, Medianoche is prized by serious collectors and anyone who loves rich, dark beer.

But on December 11, the Medianoche Antique: SAZ release kicks off the first in a new series dedicated to serious bourbon, according to the brewery.

Neil Fisher, WeldWerks’ co-owner, said the brewery sourced its first Antique Collection barrel nearly two years ago from Buffalo Trace Distillery. The Sazerac Rye 18-year-old barrels are the cream of the crop in WeldWerk’s portfolio; the barrels were previously used to produce a rye affectionately known as “Baby Saz.” 

After aging for more than 18 years, the rare casks were emptied and then immediately filled with Rye Medianoche, which spent more than 26 months in the barrels. 

To put the uniqueness of this release into perspective, the name Sazerac dates back to mid-1850s New Orleans, where the venerated Sazerac rye cocktail was likely invented by pharmacist Antoine Amédée Peychaud and promoted by Thomas H. Handy at Sazerac House. In 1992, Sazerac Company took over a longtime Kentucky distillery, renaming it Buffalo Trace. 

WeldWerks has acquired similarly notable bourbon barrels that are part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection of whiskeys, which are named for master distillers who were either honored posthumously or through their relationship with Sazerac. Fisher is planning Medianoche releases produced in barrels named for George T. Stagg, William LaRue Weller, and Handy in the future. The brewery also has a 23-year old barrel that will see a release down the road. 

Fisher said the barrel used for MA: SAZ is the most expressive barrel the brewery has ever used. 

Taste notes are flavorful and rounded, with elements of sweet cinnamon roll icing and a touch of anise. “It’s in the vein of a star anise spice cake,” he said.

Orange blossom honey, Luxardo cherry cordials and dark chocolate-covered espresso beans round it out.

WeldWerks didn’t see a need for any adjunct ingredients for this Medianoche. “It’s just the flavor drawn from the 18-year rye whiskey barrel. We let the barrel speak for itself,” he said.

Available in 500 mL bottles to-go for $26 each, limit 2 per person.

Less complex, but also long aged for 23-27 months in a blend of 6-year-old Weller wheated bourbon barrels, and 5 year-old MGP high rye bourbon barrels from Indiana, is the jammy nosed Blueberry Pancake Medianoche. 

“We thought about integrating maple and blueberry notes to create a celebratory beer perfect for iconic holiday breakfasts or to serve with dessert,” Fisher said. 

The barrels impart notes of blueberry jam, maple candies, vanilla sugar, candied pecans and baking spices, according to the statement. A blueberry purée, maple syrup, vanilla beans and a dusting of cinnamon finishes it off.

Available in 500 mL bottles to-go for $28 each, limit 2 per person.

Eventbrite tickets go on sale December 11 at 10 a.m. MST. Fisher expects to sell out the approximately 700 allocations. Pick up begins December 17 to January 2 from noon to 6:00 p.m. The brewery will be closed on New Year’s Day. Proxies may pick up five orders at a time.

Wiley Roots Brewing Co. introduces its Liquid Enthusiasts exclusive membership

Wiley Roots Brewing Co. introduces its Liquid Enthusiasts exclusive membership with a year of beerful benefits. Photo courtesy of Wiley Roots Brewing Co.

With an eye toward rewarding regulars and building a community, Wiley Roots Brewing Co. marketing manager Rebekah Smith said the brewery’s Liquid Enthusiasts exclusive membership encourages people to return to the taproom on a regular basis.

For $125, the year-long membership includes:

• 24-hour early access to all of Wiley’s beer releases, including Barrel-Aged beers and special releases like the Fruit Lady series, which often sell out quickly.

• An exclusive 2022 Rastel Teku stemmed beer glass decorated with art designed by local artist Falk Houben. Designed by Italian craft beer experts, the stemmed, angular Teku holds on to a beer’s aroma so the nose won’t dissipate before you have a chance to appreciate it. The stem helps beer stay at its correct temperature: your hand won’t warm it up.

• 10% off taproom purchases, including beer and merchandise

• Invitation to a member-only event in May with head brewer and owner, Kyle Carbaugh, who will offer a learning opportunity about tasting and beer production

• Invitation to a member-only party in November to celebrate a year of craft beer-making. Event will include catered food and free drinks.

Note: both events offer +1 tickets available at lower cost than membership.

Purchase a 2022 Liquid Enthusiast membership by visiting Wiley Roots website. Perks run from January 1 through December 31, 2022.