“A smooth dry stout based on the Breheny Brothers Breweries recipe from 100 years ago This stout was originally produced at Breheny Brothers Breweries in Sale, Warrenheip, Bendigo and Toowoomba by Brothers John James, Thomas, Peter Martin, James Patrick, Edward Thomas and Michael Breheny.”

Glassware: English pint.

Appearance: Matte black pour with a dense and creamy two finger brown head perched on top. Good retention and healthy lacing on the glass.

Aroma: The first few whiffs offer super traditional vibes. Dry, foreign stout-like in character. Quite rich as well, espresso coffee, dark chocolate, hints of licorice and herbal/grassy hops. Much more subtle touches of peat, burnt toffee and raw vanilla bean. Really old-school Stout which matches the branding. Diggin’ it thus far.

Flavour: Good transition from the nose. Reminds us of the old Southwark Stout with its earthy and lightly peated roasted notes. The hop profile comes through as well – definitely earthy but some herbals and pine pair up with the bitterness midway. A flutter of dark fruit then a dry and toasty finish which goes the distance on the back end.

Mouthfeel: Smooth and kinda silky then turns dry in the swallow. Medium body. Slightly lifted Co2 and the 6.2% ABV slots in nicely.

Overall: Our first crack at this ancient (for Australia’s standards) brewery which was first established in 1891. Which makes it Australia’s 2nd oldest independent brewery…2nd only to Cooper’s of course. Solid drop.