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The Vicennial Series Finale: A Celebration of Barrel-Aged Excellence

The wait is over! This Saturday, November 16th, River North Brewery proudly presents the final installment in our legendary Vicennial Series. Over the past month, we've been rolling out some of our boldest, rarest barrel-aged beers every two weeks, and now, the final two behemoths have arrived: Shadowman and Dark Sorceress.



The Vicennial Series, River North's most ambitious barrel project to date, was launched in 2017 and has been improving every year. It symbolizes our utmost commitment to creating exceptional barrel-aged beers.


These final releases are the crown jewels of the Vicennial lineup:

  • Shadowman – A colossal 17.4% ABV barrel-aged imperial stout, matured in Colorado whiskey and single malt barrels. Its rich, complex profile and silky smooth finish make it the ultimate stout experience.

  • Dark Sorceress – Standing at a formidable 19.2% ABV, this imperial porter was aged in Colorado whiskey and rye barrels, giving it a distinct and dark character. This brew is for the bold at heart.


Both of these limited-edition, barrel-aged masterpieces will be available to taste side by side with their fellow Vicennial counterparts at both our Washington Street and Blake Street taprooms this weekend. Fans can enjoy a rare opportunity to experience all six releases in this extraordinary series.


To make the experience even better, we’ll have food trucks at both taprooms to pair with these incredible brews, ensuring a full day of indulgence for beer and food lovers alike!



If you've been following along, you've already met the others in our Vicennial lineup:

  • God Complex – A powerful 20.6% ABV quadruple ale aged in Colorado whiskey and rye barrels. It's rich, multi-layered, and an unforgettable drinking experience.

  • Last Guardian – A 21.1% ABV abbey-style golden ale, aged in Colorado rye whiskey barrels. This golden giant brings sweet, subtle spice, balanced with the warmth of rye.

  • Father Time – Our 19.6% ABV barleywine, aged to perfection in Colorado whiskey barrels. A full-bodied classic, it boasts flavors of caramel and dark fruit with a bold whiskey finish.

  • Death of Time – At 19.7% ABV, this black barleywine is a dark, intense masterpiece aged in Colorado whiskey barrels, delivering deep roasted flavors and a beautifully complex profile.


These beers are crafted to withstand the test of time, each designed to age gracefully for up to twenty years—hence their "Vicennial" designation. With this weekend’s release, you'll not only get a chance to taste each of these legendary creations but also have the opportunity to take bottles home. These bottles are more than a drink; they’re investments in flavor, aging into an even more nuanced experience over the years.


Experience the Complete Vicennial Series!

This Saturday at both taproom locations, you can indulge in all six Vicennials in one tasting—an extremely rare lineup of barrel-aged, high-ABV brews all in one place. Bottles will also be available for purchase, so you can start your own Vicennial cellar collection.


Can't make it? Reserve your Shadowman and Dark Sorceress bottles here.


Join us in celebrating the culmination of our most ambitious barrel-aged series yet. This is your chance to taste the best of River North’s innovation, dedication, and passion for brewing world-class, cellar-worthy beers. See you this Saturday for the grand finale—cheers to the Vicennial Series!


Upcoming Events:

11/17 Fall Market & Dog Adoption Event 3pm | Blake Street

11/27 Thanksgiving Eve Tacos Before Turkey w/ Moya's Tacos 3pm | Blake Street

12/6 FREE Rotating Tap Comedy Show 8pm | Blake Street

12/12 Bad Art Night 5:30pm | Blake Street

12/13 Holiday Drag Bingo 7pm | Blake Street

12/15 Holiday Market 3pm | Blake Street

12/25 Christmas at the Brewery 2pm-6pm | Blake Street

12/31 New Years Eve Earlybird Event 4pm-8pm | Blake Street

1/25 Super Stout Tap Takeover 1pm | Both Taprooms

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