It’s pretty well established at this point that Chris Brown is no sage. When the frequently vilified entertainer sang about flashing “Deuces” (simultaneous middle finger and peace sign) in his hit song by the same name, I was encouraged to hear he was moving on. So were Eagle Rock Brewery co-founders Jeremy Raub and Ting Su. The family-run brewhouse called their second anniversary ale Deuces. They culminated Year Three with a 20-tap craft beer salute at Verdugo Bar. Eagle Rock Brewery upped the stakes with Threes for their jam packed third anniversary party.

Jeremy Raub was inspired by rye whiskey barrels. He and his team brewed an American Strong Ale with rye, which will age in Templeton rye whiskey barrels for six months. In the meantime, the 9.5% ABV beer had toasty flavor and a great hop finish. The bottled version that Raub was holding is apparently less hoppy. I had to leave the party before finding out for sure.