Brewdog Paradox Isle Of Arran
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
I love Brewdog! I’m sure I’ve said it before but I’ll say again and why do I love them so much, well take a look at the picture below for starters.
Last Thursday was International Stout Day and I thought what better beer to enjoy than this one. This brew comes from a partnership between the two Scottish companies Brewdog and the Isle Of Arran Distillers, hence its unique name and label. Each limited batch of this beer is matured for six months in a number of scotch malt whiskey casks, with some formally used for sherry. Paradox is an Imperial Stout which weighs in at a hefty 10% alcohol per 330ml bottle. Imperial Stouts by nature are usually dark brown to black in colour, have intense malt roasted flavours and generally exceed 8% alcohol – all of which this one does and does well.
This Imperial Stout pours a solid black with a rapid forming monstrous tan head (seen in the above pic) that was very reminiscent of foam and surprisingly it didn’t leave any lacing on my glass. It has low carbonation which I think works well with this style of beer. There’s an intense aroma of chocolate, whiskey and charred wood and this hits you as soon as you open the bottle. The taste is rich, full of roasted malts (five different malts are used in the making of this beer), chocolate and some coffee notes. You can really feel the flavours lingering in the back of your throat until the next sip. I loved this beer from start to finish and that was honestly over and hour for the one bottle.
Paradox Isle of Arran is an extremely smooth and enjoyable Imperial Stout. It should not be quaffed, but rather savoured and enjoyed. I would happily have another right away… if I had one! It’s a feast in a bottle or for some a beast in a glass, either way I guarantee you’ll enjoy it.
Quick Facts: 10% alcohol – 330ml brown bottle – Pop top
Category : Beer Reviews, Imperial Stout