Boatrocker have released many barrel-aged imperial stouts over the years, some among the most sought-after in the country, with Fat Santa one of the more recent additions to the canon. It returns for its festive foray in 2019 with a slight change to the lineup of guest stars: the tonka, vanilla and coffee beans are all there once more but, this time, in place of local whisky barrels they opted for a first use Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel. And, boy, can you tell.
The beer is distinct from its predecessors thanks to the huge coconut character. When we cracked a bottle, we'd just been chatting about Lamington ales and started wondering if our minds were playing tricks on our palates as a result. We weren't: it's coconuty AF. There's rich chocolate and vanilla at play too, while a drying coffee and roasted bitterness provides the sort of balance we've come to expect from the brewery over the years, plus a little dark fruit lurking in the midst.
Should you overindulge this Christmas, there are far worse things to keep you company should you get stuck in the proverbial chimney.
James Smith
Published December 24, 2019 2019-12-24 00:00:00
