Now in its third year, Fox Hat’s Bearded Mongrel continues to utilise parent company Bickford's resources, with the brewers ageing a Russian imperial stout once again in Bearded Lady bourbon barrels for several months. Originally launched at the 2019 Adelaide Beer and BBQ Festival, the barrel-aged version of the Phat Mongrel and its bigger brother, the Full Mongrel has proved popular every year and, in 2021, it comes in a new look, bright yellow can.
The Bearded Mongrel is quite a measured stout, with balanced doses of multiple flavours and aromas not compromising any of the other elements. The pitch black beer pours with a thick chocolate head, with the bourbon riding high, coming in strong but not overpowering to add in a little sweetness before more subtle notes of vanilla, woody oak, milk chocolate and some roast creep in.
The mouthfeel is slick and a little oily, while a similar blend of flavours appear within the syrupy, viscid body. The roast appears right on the back palate with the 100 IBUs of bitterness and a little alcohol-derived warmth showing up late to remind you there's a little mongrel inside.
Matt King
Published May 17, 2021 2021-05-17 00:00:00
