Almanac Seasonal 22OZ

Almanac Seasonal 22OZ is a rotating lineup of limited-release farm-to-barrel ales from Almanac Beer Company, presented in 22oz large-format bottles. These seasonal releases spotlight the brewery's signature approach of pairing barrel aging with locally sourced Northern California fruit, resulting in expressions that shift with the harvest calendar.

Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by release  |  Origin: Alameda, California  |  Style: Rotating Seasonal (Sour, Farmhouse, Barrel-Aged)  |  Brewery: Almanac Beer Company

Production & Heritage

Almanac Beer Company operates out of Alameda, California, and built its reputation on a farm-to-barrel philosophy that connects brewing directly to Northern California agriculture. The brewery partners with local farms to source seasonal fruit — from cherries and plums to more unusual varietals — which is then incorporated into beers aged in oak barrels. Each seasonal 22oz release reflects both the harvest and the barrel character, meaning no two seasonal runs are identical. The brewery earned a San Francisco Bay Guardian Best of the Bay editor's pick in 2012, and its Farmer's Reserve No. 4 was named among Draft Magazine's top 25 beers of 2013.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Because releases rotate, aromatic profiles vary widely. Common threads across the seasonal lineup include ripe stone fruit, oak-derived vanilla, and a rustic barnyard funk characteristic of mixed-culture fermentation.

Taste: The palate typically opens with bright fruit acidity before settling into layered barrel complexity at mid-palate. Depending on the specific release, flavors can range from tart cherry and citrus peel to dark berry jam and toasted oak, often balanced by a moderate tannic grip from barrel aging.

Finish: Most seasonal expressions deliver a dry, lingering finish where fruit tartness and subtle wood tannins intermingle. The length varies with ABV, but a clean acidity generally carries the close.

How to Drink Almanac Seasonal

These beers are designed for slow, contemplative drinking and are best poured into a tulip glass or stemmed goblet at cellar temperature (50–55°F) to let the barrel and fruit complexity fully open. The 22oz format is ideal for sharing between two people. While most releases are best enjoyed on their own, fruit-forward sour editions work in a Berliner Weisse–style shandy with a splash of housemade syrup, and lighter farmhouse releases can stand in for wine in a beer-based Sangria or be used as a tart, complex float base over sorbet.

Best For

• Sharing a special bottle with a fellow craft beer enthusiast
• Building a cellar collection of vintage-dated seasonal releases
• Pairing with a curated cheese or charcuterie board
• Exploring the intersection of terroir and brewing through barrel-aged sours

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Almanac Seasonal taste like? The flavor profile shifts with each release, but Almanac's seasonal 22oz bottles generally deliver bright fruit acidity layered over oak barrel complexity, with a dry, tart finish characteristic of the brewery's farm-to-barrel method.

How does Almanac Seasonal compare to The Bruery's seasonal sours? Both breweries emphasize barrel aging and fruit additions, but Almanac leans heavily on its Northern California farm partnerships and mixed-culture fermentation, while The Bruery often explores bolder dessert-inspired and high-ABV styles.

Is Almanac Seasonal good for sipping neat? Yes — the 22oz large-format bottles are meant for deliberate, unhurried drinking, and the layered barrel and fruit character rewards a slow pour at cellar temperature.

Where is Almanac Seasonal made? Almanac Seasonal beers are brewed by Almanac Beer Company in Alameda, California, using fruit sourced from farms across Northern California's agricultural regions.

What foods pair well with Almanac Seasonal? Aged cheddar or Comté cheese highlights the barrel tannins; charcuterie with cornichons complements the acidity; roasted duck bridges well with darker fruit releases; fresh goat cheese balances tart sour expressions; and dark chocolate works with higher-ABV barrel-aged editions.

What sizes does Almanac Seasonal come in? The seasonal limited releases are packaged in 22oz (650ml) large-format bottles, which is the standard format for this lineup.

Is Almanac Seasonal worth the price? Almanac's seasonal 22oz bottles position in the premium craft tier, reflecting the cost of local fruit sourcing, barrel aging, and limited production runs — a reasonable value for serious sour and farmhouse ale drinkers seeking seasonal variety.

Why Almanac Seasonal?

What separates Almanac's seasonal program from the crowded field of barrel-aged sours is the brewery's direct relationship with Northern California farms, tying each release to a specific harvest and growing season. This farm-to-barrel model means the fruit character in these beers is not an afterthought but the organizing principle. With recognition from both Draft Magazine and the San Francisco Bay Guardian early in the brewery's history, Almanac established credibility that its seasonal lineup continues to uphold. For drinkers who value provenance and limited availability, the 22oz seasonal bottles represent some of the most terroir-driven brewing coming out of the Bay Area.