Named in honor of a dearly departed friend who was instrumental in both Dave and Clay’s brewing careers, Johan the Barleywine was the first beer ever brewed at Sun King Brewing Co. in July of 2009. The beer was cellared immediately; half of it was released on tap for the brewery’s first anniversary in July 2010 and half of it is being released in cans for the brewery’s second anniversary on July 1, 2011. Sun King Brewing Co. pioneered the customizable can in early 2011 and Johan is the first barleywine ever to be released in cans. This particular recipe will never be made again.

Barley wine is a strong style ale. At 10% ABV and 60 IBU, Johan delivers a huge malt punch balanced with Pacific Northwest hops. This portion of the one-off batch has been cellared for two years; the flavors are integrated and the subtler aspects of the beer come through in ways they didn’t on the day it left the fermenter.

Sun King is releasing 700 16-ounce cans of this very special beer on Fri., July 1 and we have created a free online ticket that gives the ticketholder the right to purchase up to two (2) cans of Johan the Barleywine. Once a customer claims his or her ticket, he or she can come to the brewery anytime between July 1 and July 28 during regular business hours to purchase your allotment. Johan the Barleywine will sell for $15 per can and reserve tickets are available now. We will not ship cans of Johan the Barleywine – all purchases must be made in person. If reserved cans are not purchased by July 28 they will be made available for purchase in the Tasting Room.

The beer in the can is special but the can itself is special as well. Early in 2011 Sun King pioneered the customizable can, allowing craft brewers to legally can and distribute small batches of seasonal and specialty beers. Johan the Barleywine is the first beer to grace the inside of the specialty can but it it will soon be joined by other limited release Sun King beers.

Again, if customers wish to reserve the right to purchase up to two (2) cans of Johan the Barleywine, please go here immediately and claim your tickets. This can release is likely to sell out quickly so please don’t delay. If you miss your chance to reserve cans ahead of time, we will have a second allotment of 350 cans available for purchase on a first come, first served basis starting on Fri., July 1.

Cans can be reserved here - https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/184493.

This beer is part of Alaskan Brewing Company‘s Pilot Series. The beers in the series get draft-tested before making the jump to being bottled in 22 oz bottles. As a draft this was known as Alaskan XTRATUF® IPA, its name coming from the iconic boots that are a spring time staple in Alaska (as well as in brewhouses).