Welcome back to the Eternal Hoptimist’s,
An Imperial Stout at Christmas? Don’t mind if I do Sam, after all it is the period of overindulgence.
Ginger might put some people off, it can be overpowering if not used wisely, perfect for a Whisky Mac but in a stout? It’s a milk stout so one can expect it to be sweet and a quick glance at the ingredients list show the expected lactose but also brown sugar and Maltodextrin.
- Name : Nightmare of Brew York 2022
- Brewery: Brew York, York
- Hops : Not specified
- Grain : Pale, Crystal 150, Crystal 400, Carafa III, Chocolate, Flaked Barley and Malted Oats
- Aroma : Complex sweet and malty, hints of ginger, vanilla and port
- Appearance : Jet black with no light bleed when held to the lamp, dark brown head
- Body : Full bodied, medium carbonated but poor head retention
- Taste : Sweet vanilla, malty and then warming spice with hints of chocolate and coffee. The finish is rich and strong with a port or spirit alcohol kick
- Dietary restrictions : Vegan friendly. Unpasteurised and unfiltered. May contain nuts
An outstanding beer. There is a sweetness which is to be expected from the ingredients list but its not excessive and helps to keep the spicy ginger and cinnamon in check. There is a heavy vanilla creaminess which results in a beautifully smooth mouthfeel. The malt profile is excellent, and some roast comes through but without any smokiness. The potency of the Imperial Stout is there with a real fortified wine kick, strong in alcohol but with no burn.
Don’t let any doubts of the ginger flavour put you off this is a complex but magnificently balanced beer.
Our overall rating: 4.4/ 5.0
The|Eternal|Hoptimitsts 