Portland, ME - 9.5% ABV

Without a doubt, Allagash Brewing is singularly responsible for converting countless drinkers into craft beer lovers with its groundbreaking flagship ale Allagash White. What most people don't know, is that they have over 100 beers in their portfolio, and (in our humble opinion) every single one of them is really, really, REALLY good. Allagash Brewing was founded in Portland Maine in 1995, by a man named Rob Tod, who just last year made history by becoming the first ever person in the beer world to earn a prestigious James Beard Award for his work.

Allagash Brewing has always focused on Belgian styles, and to this day all of the beers Allagash produces are bottle conditioned. The technique calls for two fermentations, the first in the fermenting tanks and the second in the bottle itself (a process known as the methode champenoise). Before the beer is bottled, a small amount of yeast and sugar is added and a second fermentation occurs. It's this second fermentation in the actual bottle you have in front of you, which produces a noticeable increase in fluffy carbonation, a softer mouthfeel, and remarkable complexity... And, it's Allagash's commitment to sustainability, dedication to charity, and their respectable ability to grow and expand with integrity and grace that garners the respect and admiration of beer lovers all across the country.

We chose 'World on a String' as a memorable beer to close out the third week of our Advent Calendar. Inspired by the classic cocktail, the Old Fashioned, 'World on a String' is an amber ale brewed with orange peels and aged in ex-Bourbon barrels. At 9.5% ABV, it's surprisingly smooth and drinkable (due to that bottle-conditioning), but you can really feel the weight of this one on your palate. It definitely has that cocktail vibe, but with the pleasant addition of that famous Allagash carbonation. Sticky sweet flavors of Bourbon and candy lead into a long, long finish. Cheers, and enjoy!