Almanac Bourbon Barrel Peche
Almanac Bourbon Barrel Peche is one of the Alameda brewery's most beloved sour ales: a mixed-culture farmhouse ale aged in bourbon barrels with peaches, nectarines, and real vanilla beans, at 6.8% ABV in a 16oz can. The fruit comes from Blossom Bluff Orchards in California's San Joaquin Valley — White Snow and Fay Elberta peaches, three pounds per gallon — aged with Almanac's house sour culture until tart stone fruit meets sweet vanilla and rich bourbon. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 6.8% (16oz can release; earlier 375mL bottle vintages were 7.3% — confirm package)
- Size: 16oz
- Style: mixed-fermentation sour farmhouse ale (American wild ale)
- Aging: bourbon barrels (Breckinridge and Four Roses barrels on recent vintages)
- Fruit: Blossom Bluff Orchards peaches and nectarines + real vanilla beans
- Brewery: Almanac Beer Co., Alameda, California
Peaches, Bourbon, and Patience
Bourbon Barrel Peche started as a riff on an Almanac classic — the brandy-barrel-aged Peche — with bourbon barrels swapped in and the volume turned up. The mixed-fermentation base brings the tartness; months in used bourbon barrels bring vanilla and oak; and an avalanche of sustainably grown stone fruit brings the perfume. Rated 91 on BeerAdvocate, it is the rare sour beer that converts bourbon drinkers and wine drinkers alike.
Tasting Notes
Assertive sour tartness up front — gum-gripping, in the best way — with waves of fresh peach and nectarine. Mid-palate brings soft vanilla and a breath of bourbon warmth; the barrel presence stays in the background while the fruit dominates. Light-bodied with soft carbonation and a smooth, fruity finish.
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled (45–50°F) in a tulip or wine glass to catch the aromatics. Pair with glazed pork chops, herbed goat cheese, peach galette, or fried chicken — the acidity cuts richness beautifully. Also superb alongside funky cheeses and charcuterie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bourbon Barrel Peche?
A sour farmhouse ale from Almanac Beer Co., aged in bourbon barrels with peaches, nectarines, and vanilla beans.
How strong is it?
The 16oz can release is 6.8% ABV; earlier 375mL bottle vintages were bottled at 7.3%.
Is it very sour?
Yes — it is assertively tart, balanced by ripe stone fruit and vanilla from the barrel aging.
Where does the fruit come from?
Blossom Bluff Orchards in California's San Joaquin Valley, sustainably grown.
Check out Almanac Brewing and our craft beer picks. Tart, fruity, and barrel-kissed — order Bourbon Barrel Peche online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.