BrewDog Paradox Speyside (Batch 011) - 1987 Macallan Sherry Cask - BrewDog

pitasoup

Tennessee

3.45/5  rDev -14.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

thanks to neorunner for this bottle.

A: pours almost black...dark dark brown with almost zero head - a thin whisp of off white lines the rim of the glass. for a ten percenter, it didn't seem that viscous - suspecting this may be thin like the other Paradoxes.

S: whisky, soy sauce, alcohol. sweet bourbon and oak. a hint of cinnamon as it warms. not much of the macallan spice yet though

T: dark burnt malts - black patent/carafa, grainy bitterness, slight coffee and cocoa.

M: medium body but thin for a stout, and especially for a -bal stout. finishes gritty and warm.

O: better than the others i've head (isle of arran, speyside, smokehead) but still a bit lacking. I love of the idea of scotch barrel aging but the base paradox doesn't seem to translate - there needs to be a heftier mouthfeel and a larger body of flavors to back up the great smells.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2011 01:04:13 | More by pitasoup

mscudder

Georgia

3.75/5  rDev -7.4%

04-08-2013 02:34:53 | More by mscudder

Jamison85

Indiana

5/5  rDev +23.5%

03-24-2013 01:50:53 | More by Jamison85

Pinknuggets

Vermont

4.2/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

100th Review, Hooray me!!!
bottle to worthy sniffer

A: Dark dark brown very near black but not quite there in terms of color. There is essentially no head with not even a quarter cup of lacing. It is however completely opaque with nothing going through it at all

S:Dark smells chocolate almost with hints of the sherry but surprisingly not a lot of dark fruit it maintains its stout smell to it I cant quite describe.

T: There is a smokey taste in the beginning that fades into more of a stout taste with hints of dark chocolate the sherry like in the nose comes out but is not very powerful flavor. Though it is well blended with the stout flavor and adds an interesting depth to the flavor

M: Thin for a stout very watered down with a light chewy texture but not much there. It goes down easy especially with lack of carbonation as that adds to the smoothness. It is kinda of weird I do not dislike it but its not my favorite.

O:This is a good beer but not great I like the use of sherry cask it adds a lot to the flavor but almost everything else in this beer is good though needs improvement especially the mouthfeel. I will say it did complement my canoli ice cream well. Its worth a try but weather it was worth $10 is much more questionable

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 04:34:54 | More by Pinknuggets

captainbearcat

Illinois

5/5  rDev +23.5%

12-24-2012 22:07:14 | More by captainbearcat

speak72

Georgia

4/5  rDev -1.2%

11-04-2012 17:49:47 | More by speak72

bzach

Indiana

3.25/5  rDev -19.8%

10-21-2012 06:15:00 | More by bzach

RogerDoger

Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +11.1%

10-11-2012 00:38:04 | More by RogerDoger

t0rin0

California

4/5  rDev -1.2%

09-02-2012 03:26:04 | More by t0rin0

AgentMunky

California

3.78/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Poured from a 33cL bottle into a Glencairn whisky glass. Batch 011. Bottled on 3 March 2009.

A: A glowing dark brown, barely translucent. Scattered but persistent lacing, with little head.

S: Fruit, dry malt, distant dryness. All in all, a pretty nice representation of the sherry cask in beer form.

T/M: Alas, perhaps a little old. Thin and flat, like many a Paradox aged til now, but mayhap I spoke too soon...loaded with flavour, especially on the endtaste. Chiaroscuro fruit, malts saved from boringness only by dint of being whisky-filled, but overall, a nice ale that was drenched in excellent single malt then left far too long in the bottle.

O: I couldn't recommend it, but I'm glad I tried one. BrewDog is an excellent brewery, and I regret not trying this sooner.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2012 06:38:57 | More by AgentMunky

SLeffler27

New York

4.08/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Dark, DARK brown with a thin, rocky almond head and viscous film on the glass. Chestnut and ruby red highlights don’t quite make up for the total lack of lacing.

There is a light, barely distinguishable sherry aroma with more pronounced roasted malt. Perhaps there is a hint of pine resin in this simple, but lush and alluring aroma. A suggestion of roasted coffee comes out with warmth.

The flavor has a whisky undertone and is well balanced. Overall, the flavors are surprisingly muted and there is a long, light finish.

A full body with smooth texture and light carbonation. Alcohol plays a role but is still under control and there is a light, sticky residue on the lips.

Preferable as a sipper while relaxing or during cocktail hour. Aside from the price tag, this one could easily fit into any regular line up.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2012 22:25:42 | More by SLeffler27

DavidEddie

Illinois

3/5  rDev -25.9%

01-14-2012 05:22:47 | More by DavidEddie

Discordian

New Jersey

5/5  rDev +23.5%

12-15-2011 04:46:10 | More by Discordian

chickenm

British Columbia (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -7.4%

11-22-2011 05:52:42 | More by chickenm

JAHMUR

Connecticut

4.25/5  rDev +4.9%

11-18-2011 22:22:44 | More by JAHMUR

secondtooth

Indiana

3.58/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Deep black, with almost no head of carbonation and no lace, either. Odd and a little disappointing from this premium imperial.

Nose is peaty malts, with hints of whiskey. Here's where it gets interesting. None of the requisite roastiness. Then again, the bottle was dated as "best by" 7 months ago. Maybe this aging has changed the malt profile?

Taste is strong -- overpowering flavor is of Scotch whiskey. Some vanilla and oak from the barrels. The 10% ABV is masked well beneath the warm and earthy flavors. Still, this one seems a tad raw and uncomplex as it is.Definitely unusual, but not as amazing as I'd expected.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2011 12:29:03 | More by secondtooth

Rickythejeweler

Maryland

1.68/5  rDev -58.5%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2

Bottled 1/1/08. Consumed 9/30/11.

A - Muddy black/brown, no head just a few soapy bubbles, no lacing.

S - The faintest smell of wood and old fruits.

T - The faintest taste of wood and old fruits.

M - Flat.

O - About 4 years old, classic example of a beer past it's prime. Disappointing. I should have stuck to my 2 year age limit for beers.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2011 17:42:37 | More by Rickythejeweler

aasher

Indiana

3.33/5  rDev -17.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This one is the triple threat. The barrels are from Macallan (my favorite Scotch), 1987 Cask (my birth year), and this beer is retired. Perfect!

It pours a midnight black in color, medium in body, with almost no head or carbonation at all. It doesn't really coat the glass either. The aromas consist of raisins, figs, oak, brandy, and port. You don't get much traditional scotch characteristics but this one has had time to sit, and it was sherry cask. The flavors consist of rasin, figs, a lot of dark malt, light oak, and some brown sugar. It drinks "tired", as if it's on its last legs. It isn't as bold as it could or should be. The telling sign of this one is that it doesn't leave any residuals on the glass. It drinks pretty thin in body, especially for the style. It's ok, I imagine it used to be better.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2011 02:58:33 | More by aasher

Seeker41184

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Date Drunk: 12/3/2010

12oz into pint glass

A: Pours a blackish brown beer with a sticky lace as the head slowly disappears.
S: Think Macallan, peat, chocolate, and wood. This beer can be smelt from across the room just like a nice glass of scotch.
T: Macallan, peat, chocolate, and wood mixed with a decent stout body. The alcohol burn is overpowering at first, but as the beer reaches room temp, the flavor just gets more complex as the beer warms up. I began sipping the beer and almost forget I was drinking beer and not a spicy single malt.
M: Alcoholic burn at first, but mellows out. Def a sipper, and needs to be warm.
O: I enjoyed this beer being a huge fan of The Macallan, but would rather have a stout and scotch separate.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2011 16:52:54 | More by Seeker41184

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.13/5  rDev +2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Seriously complex and with the most rich of flavors, the Macallan continues the Paradox trend of challenging the palate while seducing it simultaneously.

The beer pours a very deep brown, boardering on black except around the edges. The dainties of head gives a lightly tanned color and settles to a thin lace with a few intermitten pockets of foam. Lace also evident on the glass but in limited fashion. Low carbonation give a very cask ale-like calmness.

Smoky, fruity, and complexly sweet with black strap molasass, charred plumbs, currants, and grapes, and the with the essence of charred oak and chocolate- the nose is very rich, savory, and deep. The scotch peatiness is evident.

The flavors stay avery consistent with the scent: smoky rich flavors wrapped in over caramelized syrups, oak, licorice, raisons, heavy toast, cocoa, rummy alcohols all feed the notion of fruitcake, dehydrated/stone fruits and all with the savory sherry taste of plumbs, dates, figs, prunes, and red grapes. Hopped for bitterness only, the sweet and savory start finishes with a smooth bitterness that assist the roasty coffee-like bitterness.

Farily moderately weighted for an imperial stout, making the beer seem lighter and softer than expected. It's a velvety smooth and light beer for its style. Finishing with a cola-like linger of sweetness, the alcohols provide moderate warmth but is kept well in balance with other textures.

A delightful beer that peels from the norm of imperial stouts, but doing so to showcase what's best about well made scotch whiskys and sherrys. Compex. Balanced. Masculine. Refined. The beer begs to be paired with a rich and nutty maduro cigar.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2011 03:47:05 | More by BEERchitect

getgetgettleman

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes of 3/25/11

A = Deep black to deep reddish color. Moderate 2 finger froth that didn't stick around. Visible carbonation. Sticky liquor like lace.

S = Chocolate, cherry/berry, licorice, cardamon, malt, smoke and oak.

T = Heavy spices, black pepper, chocolate, malt, brandy, smoke and mellow wood.

M = Good carbonation on the front end, liquor like on the back end. Surprisingly not creamy like other heavy hitters. Goes down warm like a fine brandy or scotch.

O = This is a great little number to share with a friend after dinner in a low tumbler. Seved neat at room temp like a nice scotch or bourbon. Unfortunate that it is retired. If you see it, grab it!

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2011 23:53:13 | More by getgetgettleman

HeyItsChili

China

4.33/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Poured from a bottle into a snifter. Pours a dark, almost black brown, totally opaque, with a thin brown head that quickly dissipates to virtually nothing.

S - The aroma is robust, full of a peaty phenolic ester, a woody essence, and a tinge of vanilla and chocolate.

T - Really complex and improves as it warms. Very woody and peaty throughout, and just a little dry and tannic. Chocolate liqueur and sherry, little bit of coffee. Coppery malt sweetness fading into a lingering peaty alcohol tingle in the aftertaste.

M - Thin bodied and light carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2011 22:36:36 | More by HeyItsChili

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.73/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I aged this several months. Pours opaque black, with a cask like crowning bubbly head that's light brown. Significant whisky aromas. Medium mouthfeel, a very dry stout,chocolate, carbonation right there, slightly sour finish. More or less average for the style.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2011 03:12:59 | More by northyorksammy

jwinship83

Illinois

3.73/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2 | overall: 3.5

11.2oz bottle drank out of my stone IRS snifter. best by date is hand written on the back and reads 12/12/09. oops, i guess i let this one sit for too long.

A- this one pours out an opaque black colored body. no light passes through, even when held near a light. there is a full finger of khaki colored head on top that quickly fizzles away to no more than a crown. solid rings of lacing are left of the sides of the glass.

S- the nose is decently complex. sweet chocolate and sherry are the first things that i notice. after that i get darkly roasted malts and some vanilla from the barrel. there is a slight coffee scent at the end.

T- the taste starts out with sweet sherry and milk chocolate before quickly yielding some dark roasted malts. this is a sweet brew overall. lots of dark chocolate and vanilla (from the barrel) in the middle. there is a blast of coffee at the end. the alcohol that i could smell is pleasantly subdued.

M- the mouthfeel is a little weak for something like this. id say medium bodied, bordering on light. much too small for an imperial stout. there is a moderate warming from the alcohol, but that is expected with a barrel aged stout. very smooth at this point.

D- this bottle went away with ease. the price is a little high at just under $13, but its a tasty beer overall. it was hard to believe that this one was as strong as it is. with this amount of age this is very easy to finish.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2011 05:50:00 | More by jwinship83

BrewCrew2010

New York

3.8/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

A: A blackish brown body with almost no head. What head there is to speak of is tan, pin stripe at first, and then recedes to island foam around the edges.

S: Wow! I can smell this amost 2 feet away. A strong aroma of roasted malts, coffee, dark chocolate, nuts, and peat. You can also pick up notes from the sherry cask and some dark fruits, like a port. There is also a booziness at the end.

T: I was little disappointed in the taste. I wish it tasted as good as it smelled. Definitely picked up the roasted malts, peat, espresso, vanilla, sherry notes, and dark fruits. However, it's a bit overwhelmed by the booze in the finish- very warming and long lasting. I would have liked, and I know this is mouthfeel, for it to be a little thicker and richer, and not such a light flavor.

M: Kind of thin and watery for an imperial stout. Light carbonation and light body.

D: Really enjoyed this. I put it in the fridge for a bit just to chill it, but like the bottle says, it's much better room temp. A wee bit expensive and although good, this was nice to try, but definitely a one time deal unless someone gave it to me.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2011 03:31:39 | More by BrewCrew2010