“Imperial Pastry Stout conditioned on in house made salted caramel, toasted macadamia & vanilla Bean. This is one decadent & delicious treat of a beer. ⁠ Contains Lactose⁠.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Pitch black with a finger of light brown foam which retreats to the rim. A wet spotty lace is dragged down the glass as it ebbs.

Aroma: This literally smells like a liquefied Creme Egg spiked with booze. The caramel component is so tantalisingly rich and decadent. As is the roasty dark chocolate, spicy vanilla and Frangelico. The Frangelico scent must be borne out of the use of macadamia nuts in the brew but either way it’s a pleasure to take in. Booze starting to tickle the nostrils as it warms.

Flavour: Jeez tell you what for 10.6% ABV that is dangerously drinkable. Indulgently sweet and rich yet so soft and nutty. Getting more of a coffee quality on the palate alongside heady notes of salted caramel, toffee fudge, brittle and raw vanilla bean. The macadamias float in and out while the chocolate stays pretty subtle in the background. Surprisingly light, nutty and chocolate-y finish that hangs on for dear life.

Mouthfeel: Oily, slick and incredibly light for not only the style but its ABV – 10.6%. Medium-full body, low-ish Co2.

Overall: Mr Banks just keep notching up in our books. We’re excited to say that they’re now entering the realm of The Bruery and what’s even better is the price point is way more favourable. Here’s hoping they keep on this trajectory.