“Eclipse is our brewer’s grand opus, barrel-aged imperial stout. Every year we search for and source an eclectic range of freshly spent barrels from unique distillers and vintners. The search is always an adventure, visiting old friends and meeting new ones. In 2007, we released our first Eclipse aged in Old Fitzgerald barrels, and started getting some great reviews and awards soon after. That said, we’re in it for the fun and creativity, when our brewer’s intent becomes a reality, and a new blend surprises our senses.”
Glassware: Snifter.
Appearance: Solid black with two fingers of light brown resting atop. Excellent head retention and lots of thick sudsy lace clinging to the glass as we go.
Aroma: Smells of rich and sticky dark fruits, espresso, molasses and licorice. Tobacco, peat and ash get a good look in as does the soft honey sweetness, oak and deft touches of the sharp and mineraly tequila. Lots of dark chocolate and warming booze starting to show through as this bad boy warms up.
Flavour: Roasty, a little bitter and smoky, kind of accentuated by dark chocolate, espresso and shades of raw figs and licorice. The 11% ABV adds a nice little burner in the background and then further emphasised by charred malts and ash. Nice roll in to the burnt, boozy and oaky finish which reveals a delicate hint of the tequila to set the seal.
Mouthfeel: Prickly and astringent but soothed by the creamy texture. Mild-medium co2, medium-full body.
Overall: Don’t really know what to make of this one. We aren’t the biggest fans of tequila so it’s somewhat of a plus that the tequila isn’t prominent. Big points for a really roasty and robust base but that’s about it.