“With extensive barrel programs, a love of stouts, hoppy beers and sours, you could say Boatrocker and 8 Wired are kindred spirits… We wanted to collaborate on a beer that would sum both of us up, and yet give the beer a unique take on what we both love. Enter iJet… A recipe that takes the best of 8 Wired’s iStout and our very own Ramjet. We gave the beer a little love in some Starward barrels, and the end result is like the beautiful lovechild of these two beers.”

Glassware: Tulip.

Appearance: Solid black pour with a thumb of brown foam resting on top. Good retention and some wet spotty lace is dragged down the glass as it ebbs.

Aroma: Interesting idea this. We’re ardent fans of 8 Wired and have been for over a decade but the one style of theirs we always seemed to find a bit lacklustre were their Stouts so we’re keen to see how this unfolds. First whiffs yield a rich and deep molasses-laden number with dark chocolate, licorice and gamey notes of biltong on the flank. A fruity/vinous accent here too…surely from the Starward barrels.

Flavour: The progression is next level. We actually go from being impartial all the way to digging it in the finish. This mostly because the front palate is a little tart and vinous and it all starts coming together midway. The descending vinous/fruity notes meet the ascending charred malts and as it progresses the big, roasty flavours take over and finish with espresso, ash, burnt vanilla, dark chocolate and licorice.

Mouthfeel: Pretty silky, some warmth from the 11.1% ABV but it’s nicely integrated. Medium-full body. Low-ish Co2.

Overall: It’s not a BA Stout you’ll ever find in our cellar but it does have some well polished traits to it. After all, it is half Ramjet…which in our opinion, is one of Australia’s best Imperial Stout recipes.