This Beer Does Not Exist

Last night at my good friends’ Andy & Kermit’s, I had the pleasure of tasting one of the most mind blowing beers I’ve ever had.  A stout aged in bourbon barrels and then fed champagne yeast to finish in bottles…sound interesting doesn’t it? Well, good luck finding it.  Only 1000 cases were released and the brewer hasn’t decided if it will be a one off or if they will continue to produce it.  What is this elixir of the gods, you ask? Brooklyn Black Ops.

What a delicious beer.  However, it’s a hefty brew that comes in at 11.6% ABV in a 750 ML so if you do happen to procure a bottle have it with a few friends.  It had a substantial head on the small pours we were doing which I believe probably came from the fact that this was a 2008 bottle and so the yeast had a chance to work all it’s magic.  It is black as tar in coloring and should be poured slow to prevent a larger head.

After your first sip, you will be assaulted by a fine mix of bourbon flavoring with chocolate and nutty flavor.  The boozy flavor is almost perfectly balanced with the cocoa and malt flavors.  I, personally, think the roasted malt is too hidden by that booze taste but not enough to make the beer unpalatable.  There is also a hint of hoppiness to the beer which is usually the case with Brooklyn beers.  The Champagne yeast really adds some light fruitiness to a style of beer not known for anything light.

I had the opportunity to have three small pours.  The first I drank right after it was poured and I enjoyed it.  I let the two other pours sit and warm to room temperature as I’ve found that barrel aged brews are more thoroughly enjoyable at room temp.  And I was right.  The booziness backed off a little and allowed more of the chocolate and malt flavors to be savored.  A tasty brew with a real kick and a different approach to an old style.  Well done Brooklyn Brewing.

Grade: A

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