The Class of ’88 Barley Wine was based on the guidelines published in renowned beer connoisseur Fred Eckhardt’s The Essentials of Beer Style, which was originally published in 1988. Each of the three breweries working on the project brewed their own interpretation of that original recipe. The three resulting barley wines have a common heritage and ingredients, and brewers from Deschutes Brewery, North Coast Brewing Company and Rogue Ales teamed up at each respective location to brew the beer(s).

“Working collaboratively to create this barley wine has been an adventure for all of us,” said Cam O’Connor, brewmaster for Deschutes Brewery. He spent time at both Rogue and North Coast as they brewed their versions of the beer together. “Sharing ideas and partnering to celebrate this landmark date in our shared histories promises to result in some extraordinary beer. The best part of the process, for me, was the camaraderie experienced spending time at each other’s facilities.”