US-based Firestone Walker Brewing will launch its new barrel-aged oatmeal stout known as Velvet Merkin in September this year.
Aged in bourbon barrels from Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve and Rittenhouse Rye whiskey barrels, the 2014 Velvet Merkin is a blend chosen from five separate batches brewed and barreled down at different times, Firestone said.
The firm has produced around 3,500 cases of 22oz Velvet Merkin bottles, which will be available in select markets across the US from 15 September.
Firestone Walker Brewing brewmaster Matt Brynildson said: "Velvet Merkin has always had this signature milk chocolate character, but now the vanilla notes are more pronounced as well. We're pretty stoked on this vintage.
"We had more Velvet Merkin barrels to choose from than ever before, so we were able to really fine tune the blend with complementary lots."
Headquartered in California, Firestone Walker Brewing produces seasonal and barrel aged beers.
