“Grey Monday is a special, limited edition version of our Black Tuesday imperial stout to which we’ve added hazelnuts to the barrels while the beer ages. Originally concocted for a molecular gastronomy dinner at a favorite Orange County restaurant a few years ago, this variation on our already popular stout was an instant hit both among the restaurant diners and our own staff, begging to be brewed again and bottled up.”
Glassware: Tulip.
Appearance: Mostly black with a ray of light penetrating at the base of the glass. The pour aroused a cm crown which quickly snaps back to a ring. Minimal lace as we indulge.
Aroma: It’s ridiculously rich and indulgent, crammed full of booze-fuelled molasses, licorice, dates, port, dark chocolate and melted brown sugar. The years spent in bourbon barrels yields sharp yet alluring scents of caramel, oak, spice and just the slightest lick of vanilla. With everything that’s already going on we almost forgot about the hazelnuts…which to be honest are slightly drowned out.
Flavour: Like the aroma the richness and overall intensity is mind blowing yet it’s so damn tasty! The booze (18.5%) is immense but it eventually tapers off and the sweet dark fruits, bourbon oak, port, caramel, nuts and molasses begin to open up. A hint of malt roast, cocoa and plum/dates finish with more warming booze in the tail. Magnificent length on the rear.
Mouthfeel: Slick, sticky and super warming. Minimal co2 with expected alcohol astringency. One word….huge!
Overall: Like all Bruery beers this bad boy should be shared…unless you feel like downing 10+ standard drinks in one sitting! That aside the aroma and flavour profile is fantastic. Unbelievably complex but highly enjoyable.