Episode 457 - Cruz Blanca Luchadors 2022

We're just going to come out and say it: this is the best lineup in the history of this series, and it might be the best complete lineup of barrel-aged beers to come out of Chicago this year. Cruz Blanca's playfully-conceptualized yet artfully-crafted Luchador series goes in directions many barrel-aged brewers don't - and all the big swings pay off. Nothing is lost with the switch to 12-ounce cans and only six offerings this year, especially when they all bang this hard. In addition to a possible "beer of the year" candidate for both of us, we're trying to solve the Fedora Pool Mystery, dreaming up the perfect donut pairings, and getting ready for the pit.  Beers Reviewed La Tormenta (Imperial pineapple ale aged in Barbados rum barrels with canella and spices) Barbarosa Con Café (Imperial black and red raspberry ale aged in red wine barrels w/ Metric coffee) Señor Finito (Imperial stout aged in rye whiskey barrels w/ cocoa nibs, mesquite bean, and canella) Tarzan Boy (Imperial stout aged in Barbados rum barrels w/ banana, Mexican vanilla, piloncillo, and Metric coffee) Rey Gordo (Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels) Rey Cuvée (2019, 2020, and 2021 Rey Gordo blended and rye barrel-aged w/ Mexican vanilla)