New Holland The Carhartt Woodsman 6Pk

New Holland The Carhartt Woodsman 6Pk is a bourbon barrel-aged American pale ale at 4.4% ABV, sold as a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Originally brewed as a limited collaboration between New Holland Brewing Company and Carhartt to celebrate Carhartt's 125th anniversary, this session-strength ale stands apart from typical pale ales through its distinctive bourbon barrel character layered over bright hop aromatics.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.4%  |  Origin: Michigan, USA  |  Style: Bourbon Barrel-Aged American Pale Ale  |  Brewery: New Holland Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

New Holland Brewing Company, founded in 1997 in Holland, Michigan, has built a reputation bridging craft brewing and spirits production under one roof. The Carhartt Woodsman uses a grain bill of Caramunich, Special Pale, and Carapils malts, hopped with Michigan-grown Cascade hops before aging in bourbon barrels. The barrel-aging process imparts oak, vanilla, and subtle whiskey warmth to what is fundamentally a session-weight pale ale — a combination rarely attempted at such a restrained ABV. The collaboration with Carhartt, the iconic Michigan-based workwear company, was conceived as a tribute to the state's shared heritage of craftsmanship and blue-collar grit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Citrus hops lead, followed by a thread of sweet malt and a faint whiff of oak and bourbon. There is a subtle spiciness from the Cascade hops that complements the barrel influence without competing with it.

Taste: The entry is bright and hoppy, recognizably pale ale territory, before a malty mid-palate introduces caramel sweetness and a silky texture. As it develops, vanilla from the bourbon barrels emerges alongside a gentle smoky quality and a very slight liquor warmth that belies the modest ABV.

Finish: Medium in length with a distinctive campfire-like smokiness that lingers after the hop bitterness recedes. The oak tannins provide just enough grip to keep the beer from fading too quickly, leaving a clean, slightly toasty aftertaste.

How to Drink The Carhartt Woodsman

Pour into a tulip glass or shaker pint at around 45–50°F to let the barrel character open up without suppressing the hop aromatics. This is a beer built for drinking straight — no garnish, no fuss. Its session strength makes it well suited to extended pours alongside food, and the bourbon barrel backbone gives it enough complexity to hold attention on its own.

Best For

• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates barrel-aged styles
• Backyard cookouts and campfire evenings where sessionability matters
• Introducing bourbon barrel-aged beers to someone new to the style
• Collectors seeking limited Michigan craft collaborations

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Carhartt Woodsman taste like? It tastes like a citrus-forward American pale ale with added layers of vanilla, oak, caramel, and a subtle campfire smokiness from bourbon barrel aging. The body is silky smooth for its 4.4% ABV, with just enough malt sweetness to balance the hops.

How does The Carhartt Woodsman compare to New Holland Dragon's Milk? Dragon's Milk is a 11% ABV bourbon barrel-aged stout — rich, heavy, and dessert-like — while The Carhartt Woodsman is a 4.4% pale ale that uses barrel aging as an accent rather than the dominant feature. The Woodsman is far more sessionable and hop-driven, whereas Dragon's Milk leans into dark malt and high-proof intensity.

Is The Carhartt Woodsman good for beginners? Yes, its low 4.4% ABV and approachable pale ale base make it an excellent entry point into bourbon barrel-aged beers without the heavy body or high alcohol that can overwhelm newcomers to the style.

Where is The Carhartt Woodsman made? It is brewed by New Holland Brewing Company in Holland, Michigan. The brewery has operated since 1997 and is one of Michigan's most recognized craft producers, known for both its beers and its artisan spirits program.

What foods pair well with The Carhartt Woodsman? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the beer's campfire notes echo the smoke of the meat; sharp cheddar cheese, which contrasts the caramel malt sweetness; grilled burgers with caramelized onions; smoked sausages; and pecan pie, whose toasty nuttiness mirrors the oak and vanilla from the barrel.

What sizes does The Carhartt Woodsman come in? It is commonly available as a six-pack of 12 oz bottles.

Is The Carhartt Woodsman worth the price? As a limited collaboration between two iconic Michigan brands, The Carhartt Woodsman positions above standard craft pale ales but remains accessible compared to most barrel-aged specialty releases. The bourbon barrel treatment at a session ABV represents a genuinely uncommon offering in the category.

Why The Carhartt Woodsman?

Bourbon barrel aging at session strength is a technical challenge most breweries avoid — the delicate flavors of a light-bodied pale ale can easily be overwhelmed by aggressive oak and spirit character. New Holland managed the balance here, delivering recognizable barrel influence without burying the Cascade hop profile or turning the beer into something heavy. The Carhartt collaboration adds provenance: two Michigan institutions with deep roots in hands-on craft lending their names to a beer that reflects that shared identity. For drinkers seeking barrel complexity they can enjoy across several pours without fatigue, this remains a distinctive and hard-to-replicate release.