“Aged in freshly emptied whisky barrels from our friends at Starward Whisky Distillery in Port Melbourne, Ramjet 2018 is a big beer with great malt complexity. Stored upright in a cool, dark place, Ramjet 2018 will reward careful cellaring of at least 5 years. Over time, the whisky will become less prominent and the barrel type more pronounced–the end result being just sublime.”
Glassware: Snifter.
Appearance: dense black with a finger of dense brown head perched on top. It retreats to the rim but leaves a superb lace clinging to the sides of the glass.
Aroma: It appears they have dropped a bit of the coffee component and really focused on the whiskey this year. It’s still rich AF though! Absolutely laden with whiskey, booze, dark chocolate, licorice, oak, leather and molasses. Starting to pick up those delicate hints of vanilla and toffee/caramel as she settles. Then add ash, charred earth and cigars – the tone for this year’s vintage perhaps?!
Flavour: Damn, they’ve got it dialed in again! Dense and rich dark malt, char, molasses and whiskey open up on to a slightly sweet and creamy vanilla accent early in the middle. Warming booze, musty oak and espresso carry forward in to a big and menacing finish full of whiskey barrel, charred malts, earthy raw fig and bitter espresso. Excellent length.
Mouthfeel: Oily, astringent and aggressive but that will certainly soften after a few years in the cellar. Medium-full body, mild Co2. 13.4% ABV? Pfftt! No it’s actually quite lethal.
Overall: This is the first time we’ve ever drunk the Ramjet so young. Obviously it’s harsh and needs aging but it’s set to be a cracker. Another brilliant vintage from Boatrocker!