[masraum]

I ran into some Fifty Fifty "Eclipse" at the store a couple of weeks ago (the last winter or two I haven't found as much stout as usual ). It was good, so we went back to see if they had more, and they did, but this time, they had multiple kinds. What we got is from 2017.

They are a little sweeter than some of the stouts that we normally drink, but they have been very tasty. I think the first one that we had was the Apple Brandy. I think they only had one, so I didn't realize that there were different varieties, but I think the top was blue. And then we had the Evan Williams and then Coffee. We have the Rye Cuvee and the Grand Cru left.

I'd go back and buy the rest that they have, but this stuff is not cheap. Fortunately, it's strong (11%) and comes in a bigish bottle (22oz) so the missus and I usually split one. (We don't drink much)

2016

The 10th Anniversary 2016 Fifty Fifty Eclipse barrel aged imperial stouts are here!
Fifty Fifty Eclipse Imperial Stout brewed with honey, aged in oak barrels | 11% ABV

What happens when you take an award winning Imperial Stout, put it in oak bourbon barrels, and then age it for six months? One of the most epic beer tasting experiences you will ever have: ECLIPSE™.

Imperial Stouts are noted for being very rich substantial beers, and FiftyFifty’s Totality Imperial Stout does not disappoint on this fact. Brewed in small 300 gallons batches, our brewers lovingly craft this masterpiece once a year. Made with the finest malts, hops, fresh mountain water and yeast, over 18 separate ingredients lend their unique character to this beer.

To become Eclipse, Totality is then aged for a minimum of 180 days in oak bourbon barrels. This time spent adds a plethora of flavors to the already rich Imperial Stout. At first taste there is a large presence of dark chocolate, espresso and warmth from the alcohol of the beer. Oak barrel character then comes into play with hints of vanilla and coconut, followed by mild bitterness from the hops, and then a nice long lingering finish with hints of tobacco, dark dried fruit and more chocolate. Eclipse is a wonderful companion with dessert. A beer meant for contemplation best enjoyed in a snifter and with a friend.

Because of the extensive brewing and aging process, Eclipse is only released once a year.
March-April: Brew Totality
Mid April:Futures available
May: Begin aging in oak barrels
November: Bottle and keg
December: Official Release & Party

2017


2018

Unlike in previous years, there will be 10 different incarnations split into two distinct groups: Isolated Barrel Variants, which includes five variants aged in specific spirits barrels; and Experimental Barrel Variants, which includes five versions treated with different adjuncts. In addition, there are no variants that are available only by purchasing futures, meaning all of the different beers will see distribution.

The 10 different versions of the 2018 Imperial Eclipse Stout will be:

Isolated Barrel Variants:

2018 Eclipse Basil Hayden Barrel — $10 per bottle deposit ($20 total price)
2018 Eclipse Belle Meade Barrel — $10 per bottle deposit ($20 total price)
2018 Eclipse Joseph Magnus Barrel — $10 per bottle deposit ($20 total price)
2018 Eclipse Knob Creek Rye Bourbon Barrel — $10 per bottle deposit ($20 total price)
2018 Eclipse Peach Brandy Barrel — $10 per bottle deposit ($20 total price)

Experimental Barrel Variants:

2018 Coconut Eclipse Barrel Blend — $11.50 per bottle deposit ($23 total price)
2018 Maple Eclipse Barrel Blend — $11.50 per bottle deposit ($23 total price)
2018 Mocha Eclipse Barrel Blend — $11.50 per bottle deposit ($23 total price)
2018 Vanilla Rye Eclipse Barrel Blend — $11.50 per bottle deposit ($23 total price)
2018 Cinnamon Nut Bun Barrel Blend — $12.50 per bottle deposit ($25 total price)

There are also three different variants being offered in 3l Jeroboams, each priced with a $85 deposit ($170 total price) and limited to one per style per customer: 2018 Eclipse Joseph Magnus Barrel, 2018 Mocha Eclipse Barrel Blend and 2018 Vanilla Rye Eclipse Barrel Blend. The Jeroboams debuted as a packaging option in 2016 and last year’s options included Eclipse Joseph Magnus Barrel, Eclipse Grand-Cru Bourbon Barrel and Eclipse Rye Cuvee Barrel Blend.