Northern Monk - Heaven Imperial Stout

Northern Monk Heaven is described on the 440ml can as being a maple, bourbon and vanilla imperial stout and it has an ABV of 0.3%. Malted barley, oats, chocolate emulsion, hops, gum arabic, vanillin and natural essences are the listed ingredients. Once the creamy beige head subsides there is a real strong sweetness of maple on the nose. In terms of the taste, there is plenty of chocolate, maple, coffee and some nuttiness combining to give a very rich flavour profile. The carbonation level is rather low, highlighting the smooth and creamy texture. The finish has a distinctly vanilla character to it. It's as much confectionary as beer, such is its sweetness! Very bold flavours indeed.

4 / 5

Moersleutel - Motor Oil Imperial Stout

Hailing from the Netherlands, this 0.5% ABV brew arrives in a 440ml can and is suitable for vegans. The ingredients are listed as being malted barley, flaked oats, flaked barley, flaked wheat, roast barley, natural flavourings and hops. (It also declares the beer to contain gluten and possibly with traces of nuts - including peanuts). As one might expect of motor oil, the frothy pale brown head soon dissipates, leaving behind a glass of near black stout. There is a strong aroma - mostly of vanilla but with some woodiness in there as well. And the taste.... The taste is massive. Dark chocolate, vanilla, tonka, liquorice, coffee and treacle practically explode on the palate. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy, whilst the finish is soft and mellow. Moersleutel describe themselves as beer engineers and on this evidence I'd appreciate them designing more AF beers. And soon! 

5 / 5