“A Russian Imperial Stout that we’ve thrown our heart, soul and everything left in the brewhouse into, with the hope that its darkness be your guiding light. FYI, etymologically, Eudaimonia consists of the words “eu” (“good”) and “daimōn” (“spirit”). At 10%ABV, it’ll blow your hair back. In the best way.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Impassable black with a loosely held brown head. It quickly forms a collar with scarce lacing as we indulge.

Aroma: Very smooth and placid for a RIS. On first meet you wouldn’t think you had a beasty 10%er in your glass and that says two things – 1) they’ve hidden the booze well but 2) it’s a little lackluster for the style. There’s a hearty albeit subtle base of molasses, licorice, black coffee, charred malt and mild ash. Some earthy gritty-ness and burnt toffee buried deep. Not bad but as already mentioned a bit too delicate.

Flavour: Wow she’s as smooth as a baby’s backside. We’re certainly more welcoming of its laid back nature on the palate. Shows a hint of sweetness upfront with the gritty roasty malt and coffee following close behind. A hint of warmth through the mid, licorice, ash and light smoky notes forming late and complimenting the milk chocolate finish.

Mouthfeel: Dense, super oily and gelatinous with low Co2 and an extremely well concealed ABV (10%).

Overall: Somehow they’ve made it approachable… it’s not every day you hear that about a RIS. Not too bad if you ignore the beer oyster as well (congealed yeast for those who are a little freaked out about that)… totally harmless. Just looks like shit!