Bone Idol Barrel Aged Imperial Brown Ale – ABV 9.8%

This chocolatey imperial brown ale the Salisbury-based brewery includes pale, rye, crystal and roasted malt plus wheat and oats, matured in bourbon barrels.

Look: Black and densely rich with a creamy long-lasting tan head

Nose: Lots of chocolate and vanilla the oats and wheat plus those magnum hops and there’s a definitely a whiff of the bourbon the BA; it’s sweet and slightly sickly yet pretty addictive.

Taste: The bourbon without a doubt gives a clear alcoholic buzz but this is balanced well with the oats and chocolate which give some creaminess and richness to leave a velvet soft mouthfeel overall across plenty of complex layering.

Verdict: Powerful BA notes but the oats shine through nicely. Welcome to the revolution – it’s surprisingly rich and creamy.