Freestyle Brewing's Undertow Imperial Stout is the perfect antidote to the depths of winter, offering a robust 9.5% ABV and complex flavours that warm both body and spirit.
Beer Profile
Undertow Imperial Stout comes from Freestyle Brewing, a family-owned independent brewer in Bassendean. The brewery opens its production warehouse every Saturday for beer lovers to try and buy small batch premium products. This imperial stout features added grains and hops for punch, along with vanilla, coffee, cacao nibs, and lactose for flavour.
Aroma and Appearance
Upon opening the 500mL can, sweet chocolate and vanilla aromas hit immediately, followed by hints of coffee and roasted grains. It pours jet black with a creamy, mocha-coloured head and leaves a long-lasting lacing.
Taste and Mouthfeel
The first sip reveals a heavy malt backbone with aggressive bitterness to balance the sweetness. Bold chocolate, vanilla, and coffee flavours combine with residual caramel sweetness, while notes of dark fruits like raisins and figs appear on the mid-palate. The mouthfeel is velvety, almost syrupy, building to a finish that bridges the gap between a heavily roasted Russian imperial stout and a modern sweet pastry stout, leaving a deep, warming sensation.
Serving Suggestion
With a 9.5% ABV, equivalent to four standard drinks, Undertow is best sipped slowly, brought to room temperature, to help forget long, cold winter nights.
Price
Each 500mL can costs $14.99.
