{"title":"Rare Barrel","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"rare-barrel-arrows-of-neon-12-7oz","title":"Rare Barrel Arrows of Neon 12.7OZ","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare Barrel Arrows of Neon 12.7OZ\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 6.0% ABV oak barrel-aged Berliner weisse brewed with lemon and lime peels in a 12.7 oz bottle. This mixed-fermentation sour ale from The Rare Barrel in Berkeley, California, holds a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating on Untappd across more than 1,200 reviews, reflecting its standing among sour beer enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 6.0%  |  Origin: Berkeley, California  |  Style: Oak-Aged Berliner Weisse  |  Brewery: The Rare Barrel (Cellarmaker Brewing Co.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Rare Barrel launched in 2013 with a modest 15 oak barrels and grew its cellar to over 1,000 barrels, becoming one of the most respected American sour beer producers before its operations came under the Cellarmaker Brewing Co. umbrella. Arrows of Neon undergoes primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks for several weeks before transferring to oak barrels, where it ages for an average of nine months with lemon and lime peels and a complex blend of saison yeast, multiple strains of Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus. The brewery famously discards an average of 20% of its beer during the aging process, bottling only the lots that meet their quality standards — a practice that speaks directly to the consistency of what ends up in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshly zested Meyer lemon and lime zest rise immediately, layered over a subtle straw-like grain character. A gentle lemon yogurt quality and faint bourbon vanilla from the oak emerge as the beer warms.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright and intensely sour, reminiscent of lemon drop candy and fresh lemonade. Mid-palate brings tart lime juice, a touch of citrus pith, and lemon bar sweetness balanced by dried white oak. A light, pleasant funk threads through the citrus notes without overpowering them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with lingering citrus pith and a crisp, mouth-puckering tartness that recalls key lime pie. The oak influence provides just enough structure to ground the finish without adding weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Arrows of Neon\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe chilled at around 45–50°F in a tulip glass or stemmed goblet to concentrate the citrus aromatics. Arrows of Neon is best enjoyed on its own as a standalone sipper, though it also works as a base for beer cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eBerliner Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e (topped with sparkling lemonade) amplifies its citrus character; a \u003cstrong\u003eSour Radler\u003c\/strong\u003e with grapefruit soda balances its tartness with bittersweet fruit; and a \u003cstrong\u003eCitrus Snakebite\u003c\/strong\u003e layered with dry cider creates a refreshing, effervescent combination.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharing with sour beer enthusiasts exploring barrel-aged Berliner weisse styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSummer afternoon sessions where bright acidity and low ABV are welcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to craft beer collectors who value mixed-fermentation releases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a charcuterie or cheese board at a dinner gathering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Arrows of Neon taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Arrows of Neon delivers an intensely tart, lemon-forward profile with flavors of lemon bars, fresh lime juice, a touch of oak, and a subtle funky backbone from mixed fermentation. The overall impression is bright and refreshing, often compared to a sour lemon drop candy with a hint of key lime pie.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Arrows of Neon compare to other American sour ales?\u003c\/strong\u003e Arrows of Neon distinguishes itself through its specific use of both lemon and lime peels during extended oak barrel aging, resulting in a more layered citrus character than many kettle-soured Berliner weisse beers that rely on a single fermentation step. The Rare Barrel's practice of discarding up to 20% of each batch adds a quality-control dimension uncommon in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Arrows of Neon good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its 6.0% ABV, vivid citrus aromatics, and complex tartness make it an engaging standalone pour, particularly for drinkers who appreciate sour and funky beer styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Arrows of Neon made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Arrows of Neon is produced at The Rare Barrel facility in Berkeley, California, a brewery dedicated exclusively to sour and barrel-aged beer production, now operating under the Cellarmaker Brewing Co. name.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Arrows of Neon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh goat cheese complements the beer's acidity; grilled shrimp or ceviche echo its citrus brightness; a lemon tart mirrors its dominant flavor profile; mild washed-rind cheeses provide a creamy contrast to the tartness; and light salads with vinaigrette dressing harmonize with its sour backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Arrows of Neon come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Arrows of Neon is available in a 12.7 oz (375 ml) bottle, a standard format for barrel-aged and limited-release sour ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Arrows of Neon worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Arrows of Neon positions as a premium craft sour ale, and its nine-month oak barrel aging, complex mixed fermentation, and the brewery's practice of culling 20% of production provide tangible justification within the specialty sour beer tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Arrows of Neon?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this beer apart from the broader wave of American sour ales is the depth behind its seemingly simple citrus profile. Nine months in oak with a diverse culture of saison yeast, Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus produces layers that a quick kettle sour simply cannot replicate. The Rare Barrel's willingness to discard a significant portion of each batch means the final product consistently reflects their intent rather than the unpredictability of barrel fermentation. For anyone seeking a sour beer where the citrus character is backed by genuine barrel complexity and wild fermentation depth, Arrows of Neon delivers a compelling argument in every 12.7 oz pour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Barrel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838287343785,"sku":"33653","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"rare-barrel-crocodile-fun-dee-12-7oz","title":"Rare Barrel Crocodile Fun-Dee 12.7OZ","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare Barrel Crocodile Fun-Dee 12.7OZ\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 7.1% ABV golden sour beer aged in oak barrels with pineapple and apricot, brewed in Berkeley, California. This mixed-culture sour stands out for its layered combination of tropical and stone fruit in a single barrel-aged base, delivering pronounced acidity alongside funky barrel character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 7.1%  |  Origin: Berkeley, California  |  Golden Sour Ale  |  Brewery: The Rare Barrel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rare Barrel built its reputation as one of the few American breweries dedicated almost exclusively to sour and wild ales. The Berkeley facility was acquired by Cellarmaker Brewing in 2022, though production continues under The Rare Barrel brand. Crocodile Fun-Dee begins as a golden sour base fermented with a house mixed culture of yeast and bacteria, then aged in oak barrels with additions of pineapple and apricot. The dual-fruit approach distinguishes it from single-fruit sours in the lineup, allowing the tropical brightness of pineapple to play against the rounder sweetness of apricot while the oak and mixed culture provide depth and tartness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe tropical fruit leads the nose, followed by a wave of stone fruit sweetness and subtle oak-driven funk. A light barnyard character emerges as the beer warms, typical of mixed-culture fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright and acidic, with pineapple juice-like tartness hitting first. At mid-palate, apricot softness rounds out the acidity, and barrel-derived tannins add a gentle grip. The fruit flavors merge with a funky, slightly earthy mixed-culture backbone that keeps the sweetness in check.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with lingering tropical acidity and a dry, tart close. A faint oak note and residual fruitiness carry through the final sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Crocodile Fun-Dee\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe chilled in a tulip glass or stemmed wine glass at around 45–50°F to let the fruit and barrel complexity open up fully. This is a sipping beer best enjoyed on its own to appreciate the layered acidity and fruit interplay. It also works as a base for a \u003cstrong\u003eBerliner Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e, topped with a small splash of lemonade to amplify the tropical character. Try it alongside a \u003cstrong\u003eSour Beer Mimosa\u003c\/strong\u003e in place of champagne for a brunch alternative that leans tart. A \u003cstrong\u003eFruit Sour Float\u003c\/strong\u003e with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an indulgent contrast between the beer's acidity and creamy sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a sour beer enthusiast exploring barrel-aged wild ales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather afternoon sipping sessions where bright acidity refreshes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a cheese board or charcuterie spread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding variety to a curated sour beer tasting flight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Crocodile Fun-Dee taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Crocodile Fun-Dee delivers bright tropical acidity from pineapple and softer stone-fruit sweetness from apricot, layered over a funky, oak-aged golden sour base. The overall impression is tart, fruity, and dry with noticeable mixed-culture complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Crocodile Fun-Dee compare to Rare Barrel Map of the Sun?\u003c\/strong\u003e Map of the Sun is a golden sour aged in oak barrels with apricot only, while Crocodile Fun-Dee adds pineapple to the apricot, introducing a more pronounced tropical and tart dimension. Both share the same mixed-culture fermentation approach, but the dual-fruit bill in Crocodile Fun-Dee creates a brighter, more layered flavor profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Crocodile Fun-Dee good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, this beer is designed for thoughtful sipping from a tulip or wine glass where its barrel character and fruit complexity can be fully appreciated. The 7.1% ABV keeps it sessionable enough to enjoy without rushing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Crocodile Fun-Dee made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Crocodile Fun-Dee is brewed by The Rare Barrel in Berkeley, California, a brewery dedicated primarily to sour and wild ale production. The Rare Barrel has operated under Cellarmaker Brewing's ownership since 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Crocodile Fun-Dee?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged gouda or gruyère complement the beer's tartness with rich, nutty contrast. Fresh ceviche mirrors its bright acidity and tropical fruit notes. A fruit tart or panna cotta echoes the apricot and pineapple flavors. Soft-ripened cheeses like brie balance the funk, and grilled shrimp with citrus glaze harmonizes with the overall acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Crocodile Fun-Dee come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Crocodile Fun-Dee is available in a 12.7 oz (375 ml) bottle, a standard format for specialty and barrel-aged sour ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Crocodile Fun-Dee worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Crocodile Fun-Dee positions as a premium specialty sour ale, reflecting the labor-intensive process of mixed-culture fermentation and extended oak barrel aging with real fruit additions. For fans of American wild ales, the complexity and craftsmanship represent strong value within the barrel-aged sour category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Crocodile Fun-Dee?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Crocodile Fun-Dee from the crowded field of fruited sours is its foundation in genuine barrel aging and mixed-culture fermentation rather than kettle-souring shortcuts. The combination of pineapple and apricot in a single barrel-aged golden sour is uncommon, giving the beer a tropical-meets-stone-fruit identity that neither ingredient achieves alone. The Rare Barrel's singular focus on sour and wild ales — rare among American craft breweries — means this beer benefits from years of house culture development and oak management. For drinkers seeking an authentic, complex sour with real fruit depth, Crocodile Fun-Dee delivers a well-balanced and genuinely engaging drinking experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Barrel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838287474857,"sku":"33652","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"rare-barrel-guava-happens-12-7oz","title":"Rare Barrel Guava Happens 12.7OZ","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare Barrel Guava Happens 12.7OZ\u003c\/strong\u003e is a blended golden sour beer aged in oak barrels with pink guava, bottled at 7.1% ABV in a 12.7 oz (375ml) format. Produced by The Rare Barrel — a Berkeley, California brewery devoted exclusively to sour beer — this expression reflects a rigorous barrel program where roughly 20% of production is discarded to ensure only the best lots make it to bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 7.1%  |  Origin: Berkeley, California, USA  |  Style: Oak-Aged Golden Sour with Pink Guava  |  Brewery: The Rare Barrel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rare Barrel operates out of Berkeley, California, with a singular focus: 100% sour beer. Guava Happens begins with primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks using a proprietary blend of yeast and bacteria over roughly two weeks. The beer then moves to oak barrels for an average of nine months, during which the brewing team pulls regular samples to monitor development. Once the barrels reach their desired profile, select lots are blended with pink guava to create the final beer. The brewery's willingness to dump approximately one-fifth of its production speaks to the quality control behind every bottle that earns a label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh guava dominates the nose, joined by ripe tropical fruit reminiscent of mango and papaya. Behind the fruit, there is a subtle pink lemonade–like brightness that signals the acidity to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is mouth-puckering tart, with intense guava flavor that recalls guava paste or jam. Mid-palate, layers of strawberry, apple, and pear emerge alongside mild sweetness and traces of pineapple. A moderate white wine–like sourness threads through the entire experience, keeping the fruit from veering into candy territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is sour and woody, with oak tannins providing a dry, structured backbone. A lingering guava note and gentle acidity persist well after each sip, drawing you back for another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Guava Happens\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe chilled at 45–50°F in a tulip glass or stemmed wine glass to concentrate the aromatic tropical notes. This beer is best enjoyed on its own, but it also works in creative beer cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eBerliner Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e combining Guava Happens with fresh lemonade plays off the existing citric sourness. A \u003cstrong\u003eSour Mimosa\u003c\/strong\u003e — equal parts Guava Happens and sparkling wine — makes a striking brunch alternative where the guava stands up to the bubbles. For something bolder, a \u003cstrong\u003eTropical Michelada\u003c\/strong\u003e built with Guava Happens, lime juice, hot sauce, and a tajín rim leverages the beer's natural tartness as a savory-fruit backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a craft beer enthusiast who gravitates toward sour and wild ales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a multi-course dinner as a palate-cleansing interlude\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to barrel-aged sour beer through a fruit-forward entry point\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding variety to a curated tasting flight of American wild ales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Guava Happens taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Guava Happens delivers intense guava and tropical fruit flavors backed by mouth-puckering tartness, mild sweetness, and a woody, white wine–like sourness from oak barrel aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Guava Happens compare to other fruited sours?\u003c\/strong\u003e Reviewers note that the guava and tropical flavors in Guava Happens are more restrained and integrated than many other breweries' fruited sours, with the oak aging contributing a dry, wine-like complexity that sets it apart from kettle-soured fruit beers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Guava Happens good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its layered acidity, barrel character, and rich guava flavor make it a rewarding standalone pour, best served chilled in a tulip or wine glass to appreciate the full aromatic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Guava Happens made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Guava Happens is produced by The Rare Barrel, a brewery in Berkeley, California, that specializes exclusively in sour beers fermented and aged in oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Guava Happens?\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft-ripened cheeses like brie or camembert complement the acidity with creamy richness. Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa echo the tropical fruit character. A charcuterie board with prosciutto and aged manchego balances the tartness with salt and fat. Fresh ceviche mirrors the beer's bright citric quality, and coconut-based desserts like flan or panna cotta provide a smooth counterpoint to the sour finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Guava Happens come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Guava Happens is available in a 12.7 oz (375ml) bottle, the standard format The Rare Barrel uses for its barrel-aged sour releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Guava Happens worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Guava Happens positions as a premium craft sour, reflecting the cost of extended oak barrel aging, quality-driven production that discards roughly 20% of batches, and a specialty brewery's limited output — placing it in line with other small-batch American wild ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Guava Happens?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Guava Happens from the crowded field of fruited sour beers is The Rare Barrel's uncompromising barrel program. Nine months of oak aging with a mixed-culture fermentation builds a dry, wine-like acidity that pink guava then amplifies rather than masks. The brewery's practice of dumping a fifth of its production means every bottle that ships has passed repeated quality checks — a standard few sour-focused breweries match at this scale. For drinkers seeking a fruited sour with genuine barrel complexity rather than one-note sweetness, Guava Happens delivers real depth in a single 375ml pour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Barrel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838287573161,"sku":"33654","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/rare-barrel.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}