Description
If you’re looking for something that breaks all the rules, you’ve found it. The team at Sinnister Brew don’t often dabble in the world of "dessert stouts," so when they do, you know it’s going to be an absolute event. Occasional Irregularity is a monstrously complex creation that’s been built with zero compromises.
This is a Barrel-Aged Imperial Dessert Stout that has lived a very interesting life. It’s a "big old impy" blended from a variety of casks and then piled high with premium ingredients to create a decadent, cheesecake-inspired masterpiece.
The Lowdown
- The Style: A Barrel-Aged Imperial Dessert Stout. It’s thick, dark, and incredibly indulgent.
- The Stats: It sits at a massive 10.3% ABV, carrying enough weight to support that huge array of adjuncts.
- The Vibe: A liquid dessert that balances barrel warmth with bright fruit and spice. It’s an "irregularity" we can definitely get on board with!
The Build
This isn't just a simple stout; it’s a masterclass in layering flavours through wood and re-fermentation:
- The Barrels: This beer is a blend from Scottish Whisky, Irish Whiskey, and American Bourbon casks, providing a multi-layered foundation of oak, peat, and caramel.
- The Ingredients: It’s been re-fermented on a "shit load" of Scottish strawberries, then conditioned with toasted coconut, Tahitian vanilla pods, and Amburana wood chips.
- The Hops: In a beast like this, the hops take a back seat to the grain and wood, providing just enough balance to keep the sweetness in check without interfering with the complex aromatics.
Tasting Notes
On the pour, it’s like liquid midnight—thick, oily, and completely opaque with a tan head. The aroma is incredible, leading with strawberry cheesecake and a hint of spice. On the palate, the strawberries aren't cloyingly sweet; because they’ve been fermented, they provide a lovely tart, authentic berry character that creates that signature "cheesecake" tang. You’ll pick up waves of creamy vanilla and toasted coconut, all tied together by a beautiful cinnamon and sandalwood note from the Amburana wood. It finishes long, warming, and remarkably balanced.
