“Paradise was a place where the sky was always blue, and the trees were forever green. They say it was the dark angel that led the people away. He did so with the promise of a better life, one more interesting and perfect than they had experienced. But it was all a lie. The dark angel was rebellious and convinced people to move on as revenge against its creator. Today, people strive to find what was lost and regain what they feel is their right, and return to paradise. Paradise Lost is our homage to this tale, which has been told in homes worldwide for generations. When you sit back and take in this Imperial Stout, we hope you find your version of paradise, and perhaps it will draw you back to that ideal time.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Pitch black with two and a bit fingers of finely beaded brown head. Excellent retention and lots of thick blotchy lace being dragged down the sides of the glass.

Aroma: Very rich and hedonistic. Dominant scents of molasses and licorice with strong support from sweet espresso, marzipan and brown leather. It actually has this Russian Imperial Stout quality to it…namely the silky vanilla, dark fruits and charred dryness. Certainly picking up more dark/red fruit characters as it comes up to room temp. Diggin’ it.

Flavour: Big, roasty and charred. There’s a super short cameo of vanilla and muscovado sugar just before the charred malts, molasses, espresso and licorice envelope the palate. Gets real hot and heavy through the mid, lots of warming booze, ash and bitter espresso which lay down for a delicious roasted component, burnt vanilla and dark chocolate in the finish.

Mouthfeel: Viscous, slightly oily and a tad sharp. Medium-full body. The 10% ABV was quite noticeable.

Overall: Not too dissimilar from previous non-barrel aged Impy Stouts they’ve released. High quality, well structured and aggressive. We likey.