This dark winter delight from the Beerfarm sees the South West WA brewers concoct a pair of collaborative imperial stout aged in transcontinental whisky distillery barrels, with the aim being to highlight the nuances within each.
The western iteration saw the Beerfarmers pair up East Perth’s Whipper Snapper Distillery and Cellarbrations Carlisle. Aged in cask strength and one quinoa whisky barrel, Western Tsar pours as black as a Russian winter, and subtly reveals its oaky influence as vanilla, almond nougat and soft whisky tones. Roast malt courteously allows dark chocolate and mocha to take leading roles, with espresso, prune and spirituous warmth in support, as bitterness lifts with the dry proshchay. Most will be expecting a large wallop; however, this is a more approachable and delicate affair, with layers that reveal themselves as it warms.
As for the Eastern Tsar – the Siberian collaboration with Page Bottler in this tale – quantities are so scarce that you can count yourself lucky if you find a can. We had to defer to head brewer Josh Thomas, who suggests the smaller, 100 litre Corowa Distillery whisky barrels carry more coconut and vanilla oak.
Guy Southern
Published July 27, 2020 2020-07-27 00:00:00
