“Dark, brooding, and barrel-aged to perfection, The Asphalt Jungle is a Russian Imperial Stout with a noir-like edge. Brewed by Working Title Brew Co, this silky beast spent 12 months maturing in Maker’s Mark bourbon barrels, soaking up all that rich, oaky warmth. Expect layers of bittersweet chocolate, molasses, and dark fruit, with a smooth, warming bourbon finish that lingers like a twist ending. It’s intense, refined, and dangerously drinkable—like a perfectly planned heist that almost got away with it.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Jet black with a foamy two finger head perched on top. Steady reduction and spotty lace left in its wake.

Aroma: Questionable features initially. As we do drive-by’s we keep getting a slightly funky scent which, for us, is not ideal for a RIS. Thankfully it subsides and now we’re getting those rich and aggressive charred malts, molasses, licorice, earthy and cigar-like notes that we come to expect from the style. We must admit the Makers Mark barrels were a large part of why we bagged this but unfortunately we’re not seeing it.

Flavour: We’re confused as to why this tastes more like a whiskey than a bourbon. The base stout provides a fairly light dose of chocolate, licorice and cigar box so it plays no part in why the hallmark flavours of a Kentucky straight bourbon barrel (vanillin oak, spice, caramel) tastes more like a whiskey barrel (earthy, damp, tannic). Can’t speak too highly of the earthy, roasty and damp finish either.

Mouthfeel: Dense, oily and well rounded. Carbonation is low and the 10.5% ABV is a bit too noticeable for our liking.

Overall: Not fans of this to be honest. The Makers Mark aspect was 75% of why we wanted to review this so to have next to no Makers Mark attributes was a massive letdown.