Boatrocker Roger Ramjet – 2022′ BBA Imperial Stout

Rating:

“2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the release of our first Ramjet, a beer that set out to create a uniquely Australian spirit barrel aged imperial stout.  This years Ramjet is a continuation of this barrel aged goodness, having spent 6 months in Starward whisky barrels which had themselves previously been used to store red wine. The whisky shines through early on the nose, with some soft oak and earthy hops.  On the palate, whisky, rich malts and red wine.  The finish is deceptively smooth and belies the alcohol very well.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: As black as midnight with a thumb of brown foam emerging on top. The head gradually recedes and marks the glass with each sip we take.

Aroma: It never ceases to amaze us just how damn good Buffalo Trace barrels are considering it’s such a cheap (and near nasty) Bourbon. The aromas and flavours it brings are simply phenomenal – moreish vanilla sweetness, caramel/treacle, spice and then the brilliant American oak it’s housed in. Compliments to the big, rich and charred Stout base too. Just all round maestro stuff so far.

Flavour: It comes on pretty fierce. The 10.6% ABV expectedly makes its presence felt but it tapers off nicely which allows the Bourbon, oak and vanilla to precede the ensuing largesse of the base Imperial Stout – heavily charred malts, dark chocolate, licorice and molasses. It all carries forward into a pretty well rounded finish of Bourbon, oak, charred malt and vanilla. Excellent length on it too.

Mouthfeel: Slick and oily but with a distinct viscosity. Low-ish Co2, full body with a reasonably well behaved 10.6% ABV.

Overall: It’s pretty common knowledge now that this annual release is one of the most anxiously awaited. Once again it delivers in style. We will add that Deeds now have them covered though. Time for Boatrocker to reply.