(Copenhagen, DENMARK) – Mikkeller will import another imperial stout to the U.S. this year: Black Tie Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. “It is made for Sweden, but some will go to Shelton [Brothers, Mikkeller’s U.S. importer] as well. It is a real mans-beer with lots of tar, smoke, burnt malt – aged in scotch whisky barrels. It has quite a bit of smoked and roasted malts, honey is just 3%.” I’ve been assured that tar isn’t an actual ingredient. According to the label, this beer will about 11% ABV. The beer was brewed at Nogne O’s facility in Norway. Nogne O has their own imperial stout in the works with similar barrels though these are different beers according to Mikkel.

From the Nogne O blog on 6/30: “A few days ago, we bottled some Imperial Stout, which had spent 3 months on Scottish highland whisky oak barrels. We are pretty happy with the outcome. With only 1500 bottles, we anticipate these beer to sell quickly.” Looks like that collaboration with Brewdog and Stone Brewing may have come in especially handy . . . presuming Brewdog supplied the barrels for these two beers (they’re kind of known for their work with scotch whisky barrels).

Mikkel is also sending beer in kegs to the U.S. for the first time and is in the process of making Big Worst Barley Wine . . . aiming for 20% ABV.