“A bänging imperial stout brewed with maple syrup, vanilla beans and Ceylon cinnamon.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: As black as midnight with a short brown cap which rapidly retreats to the rim. Minimal lacing as we go.

Aroma: Smells sweet and syrupy but not in the way we were anticipating. It’s more fruity like strawberry and or cherry. Once it settles in the glass they do start to taper off and it takes on more vanilla, maple and spicy cinnamon. Even still, those three flavours should be front and centre but they’re not… we’re still getting the base Stout qualities (chocolate, carob, woodiness) over the feature ingredients.

Flavour: It’s notably better than the aroma which is rare. One thing that’s blowing our mind already is how well the 12% ABV is hidden. No heat whatsoever. It comes on unbelievably smooth and silky, a little combo of vanilla and cinnamon with the maple a little less defined. That robust Stout base is always there in the background though. It just continues on its little merry sweet way, picking up some added caramelised sweetness before finishing equally as smooth and sweet as the front palate.

Mouthfeel: Ridiculously light, smooth and silky. How the hell do they do that at 12% ABV?! Remarkable.

Overall: Our first crack at this Estonian craft brewery. We’ve been aware of them for years but have always been hesitant. Curiosity finally got the better of us and we’re glad it did. Pretty darn good.