It’s been a long time between drinks for KAIJU’s experimental Mutation Program but, as far as excuses for tardiness go, the brewery have an awfully good one. They’ve been busy. Very busy in fact, with the brewery not just expanding their own capacity but working hard to get their Huntingdale home finished so they can be pouring pints when they are allowed. You can read all about those plans here but, with that expansion now ticking along smoothly, the brewery’s Mutation Program can now be given a bit more space to breath and grow. Or mutate rather...
The September 2021 release is the first in well over a year and, for #0006: Beyond The Black River, it’s also the first to have spent time in wood. And at 11 percent ABV, the barrel-aged stout strikes out KAIJU's Where Strides The Behemoth in terms of size. The barrel component brings a hefty dose of rum-like characteristics of brown sugar, spice and vanilla and, when you take those notes and add in liquorice, molasses, dried fruits, vanilla and bitter dark chocolate there's a lot to get lost in.
This suggests that, like the Black River itself, you should probably wade in with a level of caution.
Will Ziebell
Published September 14, 2021 2021-09-14 00:00:00
