“Oro Negro spawned from our unwavering compulsion to experiment. Infusing imperial stouts with spices, fruits, and wood has been a staple at our bottle releases since 2009. Oro Negro is the culmination of note-taking and listening to our patrons. Our cherished Oil of Aphrodite was aged in bourbon barrels and infused with cacao nibs, vanilla beans, habaneros, and cinnamon sticks. A refined stout filled with rich character and a touch of heat.”
Glassware: Snifter.
Appearance: Solid black with minimal head. What’s left clings to the rim and posts a thin set of rings as we imbibe.
Aroma: It’s kind of interesting in the way that it hits the olfactory’s with an initial super rich sweetness but then tapers off in to the nutty, spicy and somewhat earthy tones. The barrels show up nicely too; adding a little kick of bourbon vanilla and oak. Getting that intense molasses, licorice and leather right down deep. Superb.
Flavour: We can really taste the spice…there’s certainly some chilli along with nutmeg and peppercorns. The walnuts present nicely too they hit a nutty sweetness but also an earthy accent comes in to play. Vanilla, chocolate, roast, a touch of bourbon and woody oak with a substantial warmth – more so from the chilli and pepper rather than the booze (12.1% AbV). Long drawn out finish which keeps the palate very warm!
Mouthfeel: Oily, warm and it holds up nicely on the palate. Medium-full body and moderate co2.
Overall: This was our first crack at Jackie O’s (well technically it is as we’ve only reviewed a couple of collab beers of theirs before). It’s very sleek, nicely balanced and really fun. Just an exceptional drop.