Last summer, our friends at Spec’s asked if we were interested in acquiring any of their barrels. I knew it was a long shot, but I replied with “tequila, only tequila.” Everyone looked at me like I was a little crazy, which is fair. Bourbon and wine barrels are easy to get, so if someone is offering to help, I’m going to make good use of their kindness.
Years ago, we discussed doing a margarita-inspired beer, but that was so long ago it was almost forgotten. Much to my surprise, a handful of tequila barrels arrived soon after the conversation with Spec’s. And I had only casually mentioned to the production team that someday some barrels might be coming. Oops.
Estimating that it would be ready in April, we knew we had to stick with the marg idea. Cinco de Mayo, right?! So we brewed an imperial version of Bikini Atoll and let it soak up all the tequila goodness. It soaked it up quickly because it is ready now. Seven weeks early. But we’ll take it.
This was a small batch, and I don’t think the beer will still be around come Monday. Come by and get your taste this weekend. It is shocking how much it tastes like a fresh margarita!
And yes, we’ve determined we must do it again. But those barrels take time, so that it won’t be until late summer.
