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...Well, I've spent the last couple of hours tasting the most talked about beer this week - BrewDog Tokyo. At a massive 18.2% abv, the alcohol content of this stout has gained most of the press, but we've had very little on taste so far. I've never had anything this strong before, so it really was a first.
Once the incredibly lively, orange head dies down, you're left with a stout as dark as a Newcastle supporter's mood. It really is black. The nose is where you get the first hint of how strong this stuff actually is - there's a brininess to it that, for me, was a little meaty. Before you drink it you know it's going to be hot, but the once the initial warming alcohol fades, you get a surprisingly round, raisiny fruitiness with only a whiff of smoke - just before the final bitter tang and another hit of alcohol to warm the throat. It's certainly not as dry as I thought it would be, being an imperial stout. It is dry-hopped,but for me the malts and oak chips dominate the flavour profile.
Of course, It is ludicrously strong; you can't get away from that. In fact, one bottle is a struggle - furtive sipping is the way to go with this one. However, I found it surprisingly well-balanced, and quite unlike anything I've managed to get my mitts on yet. And that's the point of beer-hunting isn't it?
Now, I'm feeling a little sleepy...
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5 comments:
I remember having a bottle of Samichlaus a few years back and thinking that, rather than drink 330ml on my own, it would have been better to share it with at least two other people. Really strong beers can be hard work because, as well as the alcohol, you've got chew your way through a lot of body and a lot of bitterness. They don't slip down like wine.
tried a cask version at "only" 12% at last Darlo fest, bloomin glorious but thankfull for third measures.
Yep - agree with both points. Beers like this - and other high abv ones - reduce the beer to simply a tasting experience - and all of a sudden, you're not really drinking beer in its 'normal' context. If that makes sense, and doesnt sound too poncey. Pleasurable - but in a complete different way to what you're used to.
Very well put. I really enjoyed my bottle but it was a furtive effort, as you say. It's one for sharing and discussing, I think. It sure is a fascinating beer though and I want some more in my cupboards!
I did get a second try at the fest when a chap came to the brewing group stand with a measure, he could not drink it at all so I swapped him for a half of one of ours, result.
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