“Ramjet infused with black cherries, chocolate and vanilla to create a decadent take on Ramjet. Rich and lush, with all the dessert notes you’d expect from a Black Forest Gateau.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Impenetrable black pour capped off by a finger of finely beaded brown head. Steady reduction and spotty lace on the glass.

Aroma: We’ve kinda gone off the Ramjet series as the best variant in our opinion (Roger Ramjet, which is aged in American bourbon barrels) has, from what we understand, ceased production. Instead the brewery opts for variants like Dramjet, Nordjet and this…which does provide a very pleasant mix of cherry, vanilla, coconut, dark chocolate and sponge cake over its decadent imperial stout base.

Flavour: We must say, it’s pretty darn good. The black forest cake aspect is well represented with good lashings of macerated cherry, vanilla, chocolate, sponge cake and creamy coconut. Another subtle yet notable flavour profile is the “grape and grain” co-ferment barrels which add a little bit of whiskey and a little bit of wine. It’s a very complex BA stout and we dig it.

Mouthfeel: Thick and oily but still slick and easy-drinking. Full body, low-ish Co2 and a well behaved 10.7% ABV.

Overall: We mentioned before that there’s a fair bit happening. The co-ferment (grape and grain) is actually a world first and it was achieved by Starward – an Aussie distillery. All in all it’s an impressive drop. Not only the flavour but the background work too.