If you want to get a taste of today’s double Gold Medal-winning Brewer’s Reserve Imperial Stout, you’re going to have to join me on a 4-hour journey out of Seattle.

Our destination is an antique Schoolhouse in tiny Winthrop, Washington (year-round population: 394) where Old Schoolhouse Brewing draws crowds of locals and tourists alike.

We’ll skirt past North Cascades National Park (the least visited National Park in the contiguous United States, because this part of Highway 20 is so remote and treacherous that it’s closed all winter) hug the turquoise shore of Diablo Lake, and marvel at the towering peaks above Washington Pass.

Then we’ll drop down into the stunning Methow Valley, where we can finally sit on Old Schoolhouse’s deck overlooking the Chewuch River and sip today’s Stout.

Why make such a long trip? Let me break it down for ya.

One of Washington’s Best - Brewer’s Reserve Stout is a local classic, with Gold Medals from the Washington Beer Awards and The North American Beer Awards.

Delightfully Boozy - The 9.9% ABV is just the thing to take the edge off after that long drive (or a long day of work, or a long afternoon of napping and watching TV).

Boldly Flavorful - The brewers at Old Schoolhouse use a blend of roasted chocolate malts to create layers of fudge and roasty coffee flavor, with just a touch of smooth vanilla.

Super Cellerable - I don’t have time to drive to Winthrop every weekend, so I always bring back a stash of bottles for the cellar. As the months go by, they only get smoother and more complex.

Locals Only - Old Schoolhouse’s brews almost never leave the State, so getting a taste of today’s Stout is like being let in on a cherished local secret.

Of course, today you don’t have to join me for the long drive because we’ve managed to secure a tiny stash of Brewer’s Reserve just for Tavour members.

Yeah, you’ll miss some spectacular scenery, but you can always just Google Diablo Lake while you sip this Stout in the comfort of your own living room.

Rated 4.02 on BeerAdvocate