Last year, on Thanksgiving eve, beer fanatics flocked to Victory Brewing Company, in hopes to score a case of the brewery first-ever bourbon barrel-aged beer, Dark Intrigue. Only 80 cases were available for purchase, at a limit of one case per customer—an amount that quickly sold-out in less than 45 minutes.

But, lucky for fans of last year’s batch or for folks who were unable to even grab a big bottle or two, Victory’s reproducing the beer for their 2011 season, and currently a batch of the signature Storm King Stout is waiting in oak bourbon barrels, slowly aging and picking up flavors of bourbon, vanilla, oak and spices.

Dark Intrigue will continue to age in barrels from Jim Beam and Heaven Hill Distilleries until October, when the contents of 150 bourbon barrels will be blended together, packaged in 750 mL corked bottles and left to condition in the bottle until November. It will be released to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 23, a day they are calling Dark Wednesday. The release time is 11:30 am and beer fanatics are welcome to begin lining up earlier than that.

“Having never delved into a bourbon barrel aged offering before, we were tentative with our beloved Storm King in terms of how much of it we subjected to the treatment,” Victory Brewing Company President and Co-Owner Bill Covaleski said. “Our audience clearly approved of this delicious creation last year so we have lots more in production now.”

This year, Victory expects to have 3000 cases for sale (many, many more than last year), which will be available at their retail shop and in limited quantities at distributors in the region. Each person will be limited to one case of Dark Intrigue, no exceptions. The cost is $15 per bottle, $180 per case. While this is their second release of Dark Intrigue, they are also planning for it to be their last (i.e. don’t hesitate in picking up your stash).

Also, Victory is giving locals the option to purchase a Dark Intrigue barrels on Dark Wednesday, but you must e-mail barrel@victorybeer.com to reserve yours. You will have to pay and pick it up on Nov. 23. Cost of the barrels are $40 each.

Dark Intrigue is made up of a variety of malts, along with American centennial, cascade and Amarillo hops. It is 9.2% alcohol by volume.

For a full report of last year’s behind-the-scenes tasting, click here. Visit victorybeer.com for more information. But, before you speed away from this post, be sure to watch the video below featuring Victory’s Brewer Jordan discusses the soon-to-be-released beer.