Old Irving Rat Pack 4Pk

Old Irving Rat Pack 4-Pk is a 7.0% ABV Belgian Dubbel from Old Irving Brewing Co. in Chicago, sold in a four-pack of cans. Inspired by the Old Fashioned cocktail — a favorite of the original Rat Pack — this beer is brewed with orange peel, cherry, and bourbon-soaked oak staves, earning an 88 on BeerAdvocate.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.0%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Belgian Dubbel  |  Brewery: Old Irving Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Old Irving Brewing Co. operates out of Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood, producing a focused lineup of craft beers rooted in both Belgian tradition and American creativity. Rat Pack is built on a grain bill of Munich malts, Belgian Pilsner malt, and caramel grains, then hopped with classic European varieties — East Kent Goldings and Hallertau Mittelfrüh. What separates it from a standard Dubbel is the Old Fashioned cocktail twist: real cherry, orange peel, and bourbon-soaked oak staves are incorporated during brewing, layering cocktail-inspired complexity onto the Belgian base.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a noticeable maraschino cherry sweetness, followed by a subtle oakiness and hints of warm spice. A faint orange peel brightness rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: On entry, ripe cherry and sweet milk chocolate coat the palate immediately. The mid-palate brings layers of orange peel, caramel malt richness, and gentle background spice. The bourbon-soaked oak staves contribute a soft warmth reminiscent of a whiskey cocktail without the harsh alcohol bite, and the balance between fruit sweetness and malt structure stays remarkably even throughout.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with lingering cherry, cocoa, and a mild oaky dryness. A pleasant warmth settles in the throat, making the 7.0% ABV feel both present and well-integrated.

How to Drink Rat Pack

Rat Pack is best served at cellar temperature, around 50–55°F, in a tulip glass or Belgian goblet to concentrate the aromas. Pouring slightly warmer than fridge-cold allows the cherry, oak, and chocolate layers to fully emerge. While this is primarily a sipping beer, its Old Fashioned inspiration lends itself to creative pairings: try it alongside a Boilermaker format with a small pour of bourbon to amplify the oak character; use it as the beer component in a Black Velvet variation to contrast its fruit richness against effervescence; or pair it as a standalone course in a beer-and-cocktail tasting flight alongside an actual Old Fashioned to compare how the flavors translate across formats.

Best For

• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates Belgian styles with a twist
• Pairing alongside a charcuterie or dessert course at a dinner party
• Sharing with whiskey drinkers curious about cocktail-inspired beers
• Stocking for a curated Chicago-themed craft beer tasting

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rat Pack taste like? Rat Pack delivers rich cherry and milk chocolate up front, transitioning into orange peel and oak-driven warmth on the palate. The bourbon-soaked oak staves give it a gentle whiskey-like warmth without a harsh alcohol bite.

How does Rat Pack compare to Chimay Red? Both are Belgian Dubbels with dark fruit character, but Rat Pack diverges significantly by incorporating cherry, orange peel, and bourbon-soaked oak staves inspired by the Old Fashioned cocktail. Chimay Red stays closer to traditional Dubbel territory with dried fruit and caramel, while Rat Pack leans into a cocktail-forward profile with more pronounced oak and citrus.

Is Rat Pack good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the complex interplay of cherry, chocolate, orange peel, and oak makes it a rewarding standalone pour. Serve it slightly below room temperature in a tulip glass to get the most from the aroma.

Where is Rat Pack made? Rat Pack is brewed by Old Irving Brewing Co., located in the Irving Park neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois.

What foods pair well with Rat Pack? Smoked brisket complements the oak and malt sweetness; dark chocolate truffles echo the cocoa notes in the beer; duck confit matches its richness and fruit character; aged Gouda highlights the caramel grain backbone; and cherry-topped cheesecake mirrors the dominant fruit note for a harmonious dessert pairing.

What sizes does Rat Pack come in? Rat Pack is available in a four-pack of cans, the standard retail format for this release.

Is Rat Pack worth the price? Rat Pack positions as a specialty craft Dubbel with a distinctive production method — bourbon-soaked oak staves, real fruit, and cocktail inspiration — that places it above everyday craft offerings in both complexity and intent. Its 88 score on BeerAdvocate supports its standing as a well-regarded expression within the style.

Why Rat Pack?

The use of bourbon-soaked oak staves alongside real cherry and orange peel sets Rat Pack apart from nearly every other Belgian Dubbel on the market. Rather than simply brewing to style, Old Irving Brewing built this beer around a specific cocktail concept — the Old Fashioned — and executed it with traditional Belgian brewing ingredients like Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops and Pilsner malt. The result is a beer that bridges two drinking worlds, delivering genuine Dubbel depth with unmistakable cocktail DNA. An 88 on BeerAdvocate confirms that the concept translates into the glass.