Eggens Imperial Stout Barrel-aged - 006/2024 Speyside Whisky Cask 33cl

The Eggens Imperial Stout Barrel-aged - 006/2024 Speyside Whisky Cask is a special, barrel-aged imperial stout from Dutch brewery Eggens Craft Beer. This brewery is known for their craft approach and experimentation with complex flavours, and this edition is no exception. The beer is matured in Speyside whisky casks, creating a unique combination of stout character and the influence of Scotch whisky.

Tasting note

Colour

Deep black with a thick, dark brown head that slowly subsides, leaving a light rim.

Nose

Rich aromas of roasted coffee, dark chocolate and toffee, complemented by gentle notes of vanilla and oak from the Speyside cask. There is also a subtle fruitiness present, such as dark berries, and a hint of peat, which adds depth without being overpowering.

Taste

Full and intense on the palate, with a firm body and a rich, silky texture. The base of dark chocolate and espresso is beautifully complemented by cask-aged flavours of oak, vanilla, and a light, sweet spiciness. The Speyside whisky cask also adds a subtle fruitiness, refreshing the whole without losing the stout's heavy character. A slight alcoholic warmth is present, adding to the stout without overpowering it.

Finish

Long and warming, with a lingering roasted bitterness of cocoa and coffee. The finish also offers a hint of vanilla and a soft woody tone, along with a light malty sweetness that balances it all out.

Brewing process

The brewing process of Eggens Imperial Stout Barrel-aged is meticulous and detailed. After the initial fermentation, the beer is transferred to whisky barrels, where it matures for 950 days. This long maturation period ensures that the flavours of the cask are fully absorbed by the beer, resulting in an exceptionally complex and refined flavour profile. The maturation process is closely monitored to achieve the optimal balance between beer and cask.

Eggens Groningen

Eggens Brewery is a relatively young but now well-known brewery based in Groningen. Founded by beer lover Martijn Eggens in 2017, the brewery has quickly made a name for itself with a wide range of craft beers. Martijn Eggens started his adventure as a hobby brewer in his own kitchen, but soon his passion grew into a serious venture.

The brewery is known for its innovative and high-quality beers, which are brewed using a combination of traditional techniques and modern flavours. Eggens Brewery offers a diverse range of beers, ranging from classic styles such as blond, double, triple and IPAs to more experimental brews with unique ingredients and flavour combinations. The emphasis is always on quality and craftsmanship, which can be tasted in every sip.

One of Eggens Brewery's hallmarks is its focus on local collaboration. Ingredients are sourced locally as much as possible, and the brewery often collaborates with other Groningen businesses and organisations. This not only strengthens the local community, but also contributes to the sustainability of the production processes.

Eggens Brewery's beers have already won several awards at both national and international beer competitions. This is testament to their consistent quality and ability to innovate within the rapidly growing craft beer market.