Stiegl Sonnenkonig V Cherry Brandy Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout 2018 9.2% Austria 750ml

Stiegl Brewery, famous for more than 500 years in the Austrian town of Salzburg, is one of Austria's top independent breweries making a range of continental beer styles from Lager to Radler. The Sonnenkonig range are one-off vintage beer releases from 2015 through to 2020, that were made in Stiegl's museum brewhouse. These beers are extraordinarily rare, with the Sonnenkonig II Tequila Barrel Wit 2015 release no longer even available in Stiegl's museum stocks. A mighty Russian Imperial Stout is the foundation of the Sonnenkonig V, which has been aged in a cherry brandy ash wood barrel for several months. Black as night, the prominent beer impresses with a distinctive roast flavour which, however, still allows for the expression of some sour cherry and wood flavours as well. It is not an accident that the flavour reminds us of a ripe Burgundy wine, as nose and palate experience a whole array of flavours, including dark stone fruit, coffee and, last but not least, a delicate touch of balsamic vinegar. In union with the alcoholic body, these flavours sway in a long last dance of a majestic ball night. Very Limited.