I’ve been trying to get brews from Skookum ever since I got completely lost driving home from a hike and found myself at their tiny Arlington, Washington taproom. That was two years ago. 

I remember strangers smiled and said hello as I walked into the barn-like building, and I suddenly felt very happy to be lost. Especially when I found out I’d stumbled into a release party for their ever-popular Asesinato de Cuervo Stout with cocoa, vanilla, and chilies. 

I sipped a pint — marveling at its chocolate spice complexity — and chatted with the bartender. He told me Skookum’s not even close to keeping up with demand, even in Washington. Before I left, I bought as many bottles as I could carry.

Since that first encounter, the brewery has racked up a heap of Washington Beer Awards and earned a mention as one of Seattle Mag’s Best Beer Destinations Around Seattle. And I’ve never stopped trying to snag Skookum’s brews to share with everyone on Tavour.

Today, I can officially cross that goal off of my to-do list, because here’s the first ever release of Bourbon Barrel Aged Asesinato de Cuervo! The very first sip I ever tried from Skookum, but now it’s spent a full 12 months in Bourbon Barrels! 

The chocolatey cocoa nibs are now cloaked in whiskey warmth with hints of oak, and the smooth vanilla has become even more creamy as it’s matured. The heat from Ancho and Pasilla chiles has mellowed, and the big 10.2% ABV has smoothed out so much, it’s practically chuggable.

Local fans have already given the behemoth a massive 4.32 on UT, and it’s so scarce that I only managed to snag less than 12 cases. That’s all the bottles that will ever leave the state!  

If you want to get a taste of Skookum’s brand new, Barrel-Aged Mexican Chocolate Stout, this is your one and only chance. Even here in the Evergreen State, this stuff is already sold out everywhere. Don’t wait too long.

Rated 4.32 on Untappd

Packaged On April 30th, 2019

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