Imperial stouts have long been associated with the dark and cold winter months. These rich, full-bodied beers are the perfect accompaniment to a night by the fire, and offer a deep, satisfying flavour profile that is perfect for those who like their beers to be a little on the stronger side. Today, we’re going to be looking at one of the latest imperial stouts to come out of Scotland – Apparent Magnitude from Black Isle Brewery.
Black Isle Brewery is a favourite of ours here at the channel, and for good reason. This brewery is based just outside of Inverness, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, and is known for its focus on organic and sustainable brewing practices. With a farm on site, they take the term “organic” seriously, and their beers are all 100% organic.
Apparent Magnitude is the latest release from Black Isle Brewery, and it is a real star. This imperial stout is brewed with rich dark malts, lactose, and cacao nibs, giving it a deep, decadent flavour profile that is sure to satisfy. The beer is named after the apparent magnitude of a star, which is a measure of its brightness as seen from Earth. With 26 astronomically relevant units, this beer has enough energy to light up the galaxy for millennia.
In terms of appearance, this beer is a solid black, with just the faintest glimmer of light coming through at the bottom. The head is a creamy colour, and is a little on the darker side. It’s a solid-looking style, and the aroma is instantly evocative, bringing back memories of deep, rich, and slightly sweet beers from the past.
When you take a sip of Apparent Magnitude, you’ll find that it is a real mouthful of flavour. The malts are rich and full-bodied, and the lactose provides a sweet, creamy finish. The cacao nibs add an extra layer of depth, and there’s even a hint of nostalgia in the flavour, reminding us of those milkshake-style stouts that we used to love.
In terms of pairing, this beer is best enjoyed on its own. Its rich and decadent flavour profile makes it the perfect beer to sit back and relax with, and there’s no need to pair it with food. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, however, we would recommend enjoying it with a rich and chocolatey dessert.
In conclusion, Apparent Magnitude from Black Isle Brewery is a top-notch imperial stout that is sure to satisfy. With its deep and rich flavour profile, it is the perfect beer for those who are looking for something a little more substantial. So, grab a can, sit back, and enjoy this beer in the spirit of winter and relaxation.
Imperial stouts have a long and storied history, with roots that stretch back to the 18th century when stout was a popular beer style in Britain. The style was originally known as “stout porter”, and was characterised by its strong, full-bodied flavour. As time went on, the style evolved, and the addition of more malt and hops resulted in a beer that was even stronger and more robust. By the 19th century, imperial stouts had become a staple of the British beer scene, and were enjoyed by the likes of Tsars and Emperors.
Today, imperial stouts remain a popular style, and are enjoyed by beer lovers all over the world. With their deep and rich flavour profiles, they are the perfect beer for the colder months, and are a must-try for anyone who loves deep, rich and strong ale.
Black Isle Brewery has definitely delivered with this imperial stout, and I'm sure it'll be appreciated by anyone looking for a rich, comforting beer to enjoy during the cold winter months. The addition of cacao nibs and lactose makes for a decadent pastry-like flavour that pairs perfectly with the bold dark malts. Overall, I would highly recommend giving Apparent Magnitude a try, whether you're a fan of imperial stouts or just looking for a unique and delicious beer to try. And if you're feeling adventurous, be sure to check out the rum barrel-aged version, Absolute Magnitude, for an extra special treat. So grab a glass, sit back, and enjoy the apparent magnitude of this brilliant beer.
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