I’m a wine guy through and through—but every now and then, something off the beaten path captures my curiosity. This was one of those moments.
About seven years ago, I tagged along with a couple of friends to a beer tasting at my favorite wine shop. The featured brewery was FiftyFifty Brewing Co., based in Truckee, California. My friends were longtime fans, and though I’m not much of a beer drinker, their enthusiasm was contagious enough to get me through the door.
I didn’t expect to be wowed. But I was.
Among the lineup, one beer stood out: the 2017 Eclipse Belle Meade Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout. Yes, you read that right—vintage beer. I’ll get back to that. For now, just know that I walked away from that tasting with a bottle in hand and a newfound respect for what beer could be.
And then… I did what any wine collector might do. I tucked it away in my cellar—for seven years!
FiftyFifty Brewing Co. and the Magic of Eclipse
Nestled in the small mountain town of Truckee, FiftyFifty Brewing Co. has quietly built a global reputation for its bold, imaginative beers. At the heart of that acclaim is Eclipse—a cult-favorite, limited-release series that starts with their award-winning Totality Imperial Stout. From there, the beer is aged for six months in a curated selection of bourbon barrels, each chosen for its distinct character. Some batches are finished with specialty ingredients that add an extra layer of surprise—chili peppers, vanilla, coffee, you name it.
Eclipse is more than a beer—it’s an annual event. Released each December, every bottle is hand-waxed in different colors to indicate the barrel treatment. The lineup changes every year, and the styles often sell out quickly, with many spoken for in advance through FiftyFifty’s Futures program. It’s an experience that mirrors the world of collectible wine—barrel variation, aging potential, limited availability, and a devoted following.
The 2017 Belle Meade version is aged in Belle Meade Bourbon barrels – infused with the character of rich bourbon, deep oak, and a hint of Southern sweetness.
Each release is labeled by year and barrel type, and fans often collect and vertical-taste these beers much like wine lovers do with vintage Bordeaux. It’s beer for geeks, and I mean that in the best possible way.
The Pairing
FiftyFifty recommends pairing Eclipse with chocolate cake, which—at the time—sounded strange to me. Beer and dessert? Not exactly a classic in my world. But I was curious enough to give it a go.
So, I picked up a dense, fudgy brownie from a favorite local bakery, chilled the bottle just slightly, and finally opened the beer.
What followed was a revelation!
Tasting Note:
The stout poured inky black with a thick, mocha-colored head. Aromas of roasted malt, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, vanilla and a whisper of honey wafted from the glass. The first sip was luxurious—full-bodied and smooth, with layers of dark cocoa, bourbon-soaked oak, vanilla and a touch of honey that offered just enough residual sweetness to balance the bitterness. 22 ounce bottle|11% ABV|SRP ~ $18
With the brownie? Absolute harmony. It was a complimentary pairing in the best sense: the full-bodied, rich texture of the stout mirrored the brownie’s dense, chewy chocolate, each enhancing the other without overpowering. The honey undertones brought a surprising lift, turning what could’ve been a heavy pairing into something nuanced and profoundly satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I wasn’t sure if this pairing would work. But it did—beautifully.
It reminded me why I love exploring the world of flavors, even if it takes me beyond wine. Sometimes the best discoveries come from the unexpected: a “vintage” beer aged like fine wine, and a humble brownie transformed by the perfect pour.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. And next time, I won’t wait seven years.