CROWN JEM, BARREL-AGED IMPERIAL STOUT

Origins

Some beers are brewed for flavor, others for history. Crown JEM was brewed for both. This barrel-aged imperial stout takes its name from Joe, Ed, and Michael (JEM), lifelong friends whose bond began in kindergarten and still thrives more than 60+ years later. Their story is a reminder that some connections only deepen with age, much like the barrels that give this beer its character.

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The barrels themselves were gifted to us by their lifelong friend, Ray Rastelli, owner of Rastelli Markets, and all are mug club members at our brewery. Hand-selected from Elijah Craig and Yellowstone Distilleries, each barrel had already nurtured fine bourbon for over eight years before arriving in our brewhouse. The guys presented them with love, and we filled them with deliciousness.

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Now, six months later, the result is a bold stout as rich in flavor as it is in meaning, layered with notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, and bourbon warmth. Crown JEM is more than a barrel-aged stout; it’s a time capsule of stories, laughter, and lifelong bonds, brewed to be shared among friends and opened in moments worth remembering.

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Food Pairings

A bold beer deserves bold flavors. Crown JEM’s roasted malt depth and bourbon influence pair beautifully with savory, smoky, and rich dishes. 

 

Suggested Foods: Smoked Brisket, Grilled Ribeye, or Beef Stew

Cheese: Blue Cheese, Smoked Cheddar, or Aged Gruyère

Dessert: Chocolate Cake, Crème Brûlée, or Bourbon Bread Pudding

 

Glassware & Serving Temperature

Snifter or Tulip — Designed to concentrate aromas and showcase the stout’s complex character.

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Best served at 50-55°F

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