Name: Goatsmoker
Brewer: Holy Goat Brewing (United Kingdom)
Style: Classic-Style Smoked Beer (Base Style: Imperial Stout)
ABV: 12.7%
Review Year: 2022
Goatsmoker by Holy Goat Brewing in Dundee pays a subtle tribute to Sleep’s iconic album, “Dopesmoker” and the remarkable artwork by Arik Roper. This Imperial Stout showcases a masterful combination of beechwood smoked malt and oak smoked wheat malt, resulting in a beer that embraces the essence of smoke. Hail the Smoke!
Backlog review from February 2022.
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (33B) with the Imperial Stout (20C) as the base style, in the context of the 2021 Beer Style Guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). The most current version can be found on the BJCP website.
TASTING NOTES
Aroma
Goatsmoker impresses with a rich fusion of dark chocolate and smoked wood. There are delightful hints of charred fruit and earthy cigar.
Appearance
Opaque deep brown, bordering on black. Topped with a medium brown head that forms gracefully and exhibits moderate retention.
Flavor
Goatsmoker delivers a bold combination of roasty dark chocolate notes and some toffee, elevated by a moderately high level of smoked wood. Hints of fruity esters (e.g., grapes, lychees), charred fruit, and resin add a touch of complexity. The bitterness, which harmonizes with the roasty elements is notably high, while the residual sweetness remains medium-low. The finish leaves behind a satisfying blend of bitter and roasty dark chocolate and grains.
Mouthfeel
Goatsmoker boasts a full and satisfying body, while the carbonation level of this beer is medium-low, contributing to its smooth and velvety mouthfeel. The restrained carbonation allows the flavors to surface boldly.
THE VERDICT
Goatsmoker is a beer that exudes intense aromas and flavors tailored for those who appreciate Imperial Stouts with a pronounced smoky and roasty character. The smokiness in this beer is reminiscent of wood rather than the peated notes found in Islay whiskeys. This beer is also impressively smooth as it masterfully conceals any alcohol burn given its ABV. With its exceptional qualities, Goatsmoker earns an excellent rating, promising a memorable experience for stout enthusiasts.
Plus points for the Arik Roper/Sleep/Dopesmoker reference.
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