Hope Brewery Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Rating:

60294122_1089088771275267_5847992620868960256_n“Ball-Tearer Noun – Australian (informal). Something outstanding of its kind. Rich notes of vanilla and mocha arise from a distinctively dark body. Some careful barrel conditioning adds an edge of smoke and spice. Strong alcohol meets strong bitterness to carefully chisel a warming finish fitting of this ball-tearer of a Stout.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Black with faint cola edges. It notches up a short brown cap which persists and leaves healthy lace trails as it ebbs.

Aroma: Subtle yet complex aromas of vanilla and caramel sweetness, milk chocolate, tobacco, white marshmallow, musky notes and caramelized sugars. It also has this weird floral thing going on which is baffling…especially considering the style. A bit undecided at the moment.

Flavour: It continues with this vanilla-laden, musky and somewhat artificial sweetness alongside hints of toasty malt and very mild coffee. A hint of oak and warming booze roll in to a roasty finish with strange pear/apple notes on the back end.

Mouthfeel: Nice and full. Surprisingly smooth and hiding the 9.5% AbV quite well. Mild-moderate co2.

Overall: We’re not totally sold on it. If we’re drinking a BA Imperial Stout we want big and aggressive roast, bitter coffee, dark chocolate etc and we’re just not getting it here. Maybe the beer doesn’t suit the barrels? We love French oak but the vanilla and all round sweetness is over the top. Had better.