Brooklyn Brewery, in collaboration with Four Roses Distillery, has announced the launch of the 2023 edition of Brooklyn Black Ops, a Russian Imperial Stout with a 12% ABV. This release marks the fifth annual collaboration between the two renowned brands. Significantly, this year also celebrates the 35th anniversary of Brooklyn Brewery’s flagship beer and the 135th anniversary of Four Roses. In recognition of these milestones, Black Ops features a refreshed design, influenced by Four Roses’ first global brand update in almost two decades.
This limited edition 2023 Brooklyn Black Ops is now available in 16-ounce four-packs priced at $19.99 throughout the U.S., at locations where Brooklyn Brewery products are sold, and at the Four Roses Distillery visitor center in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
The 2023 Brooklyn Black Ops has matured for nine months in specially selected Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon casks, under the watchful eyes of Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott.
This process enriches the beer with a blend of bourbon nuances and a smooth finish. The stout is said to showcase a balanced profile of cocoa nib and milk chocolate, enhanced by a vanilla oak presence. It is recommended to be enjoyed with Four Roses Small Batch, dark chocolate ganache, buttery pastries, strong aged cheese, or as a Black Ops Float with vanilla ice cream.
The Collaboration
The partnership between Brooklyn Brewery and Four Roses began in 2019 and has grown stronger over the years, thanks to the efforts of Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster Garrett Oliver and Four Roses COO Ryan Ashley. Their collaboration is a testament to the harmony between bourbon and beer, showcasing the complementary nature of both beverages. Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery’s James Beard Award-winning Brewmaster, emphasizes that the unique characteristics of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon barrels elevate the beer to a level unmatched by other barrels. On the other hand, Brent Elliott, Master Distiller at Four Roses, expresses his excitement in working with Garrett and the Brooklyn Brewery team, noting the specialness of this year’s collaboration in light of the significant anniversaries for both companies.
The Tasting Experience
The 2023 Brooklyn Black Ops offers an indulgent tasting experience. The combination of decadent cocoa nib and milk chocolate flavors, highlighted by a vanilla-forward oak presence, creates a richly layered taste. When sampled alongside Four Roses Small Batch, the shared flavor profiles are illuminated, emphasizing the subtle bourbon influence within the beer’s complex character. The versatility of the 2023 Black Ops is further demonstrated by its pairing recommendations, which include dark chocolate ganache, buttery pastries, and strong aged cheese. Additionally, the Black Ops Float, a unique concoction featuring the stout with vanilla ice cream, offers a novel way to enjoy this craft beer.
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