Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is a 9.5% imperial stout from Minoh Beer, based in Osaka, Japan. It’s part of their barrel aged range of beers, along with the Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial IPA, that have been stored in Ichiro’s Malt Whiskey casks for over a year. Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is only out during the cold months of the year, and is really a case of blink-and-miss-it. It’s also a beer that Joe didn’t want to review – who knows why? Maybe he’s scared or perhaps the pressure of having written 100 articles in four years has finally gotten to him.
Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout Aroma and Taste
The first thing you notice about Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout as it gloops into the glass is how thick it is. This is like black treacle coming into a glass, and along with the thick brownish head, is visually impressive. The head clung to the side of the glass, leaving a pattern of burst tan bubbles on the side of the glass, right until the end of drinking. Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout had a distinct peat and oak aroma, with lashings of coffee and chocolate coming through. As it warmed up, there were some hints of vanilla and a slight bitterness too.
But …. and I hate to write this … Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout didn’t have the body of an imperial stout that I have come to expect. It was lighter than I expected it to be and also less carbonated than usual too. I was hoping for something that was going to stick my gullet after the gloppy introduction. The flavours were all there – the peaty, oak, chocolate, coffee kick – but as the body was so thin in comparison, the flavours never stuck around. It finished off with an alcohol heat to it but by then, no amount of alcohol could hide my disappointment.
Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout The Bottom Line
Looks and aroma wise, Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is a winner. It’s a let down in the taste department.
Where to Buy Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Minoh Barrel Aged Imperial Stout can be bought online at the following places:
