BrewDog Paradox Glen Grant (Batch 003)
BrewDog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Found this still on the shelf at my local store... really shocked me when I saw it was bottled in 2007. Anyway, it's poured out as a deep brown color, mostly black with virtually no head on top, just some bubbles that don't last very long. The lacing is nowhere in sight either. The smell of the beer though gives off a very nice mellow smoked aroma with some elements of scotch whiskey and some vanilla in there. The taste of the beer has also mellowed out nicely. The whiskey flavors are there along with some hints of char, roasted malts and some molasses. The mouthfeel is nearly flat, not much carbonation left if there was much to begin with I'll never know. The body is medium with some silky creaminess still intact. There is no booze heat on this either. Overall it's a pretty solid Paradox, one of the better ones I've had over the years for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

Bottle shared by CR (thanks), not sure where obtained
Batch 003, Best Before 12/12/09.
Poured into a snifter glass

This BrewDog beer was probably past its prime (even the bottle said so), but I was still disappointed by its milquetoast nature that manifested completely across the board. All the flavors just felt bored and tired, from the roasted and chocolate barley to even the whiskey.

Pours a head that aborts as soon as any bubbles begin to appear, resulting in a few scattered, large bubbles lingering across the perimeter of the glass. Body is a dark brown color, with amber highlights when held to light. Opaque to the point of being unable to see the carbonation.

Aroma is weakly chocolate-like, mild, with a bit of whiskey and wood character.

Flavor is similarly mild, typical aged stout. Sweetness and softness cover the palate in weak milk chocolate and dark malt sweetness. Mildly noticeable whiskey and wood character on the back half of the palate. Lingering, mild, aftertaste of roasted malt and whiskey.

Surprisingly pleasant mouthfeel given the ethanol content. Medium to medium-heavy bodied, with carbonation levels that are quite low. A thicker body and more pronounced carbonation would firm this up on the palate and lead to a more enjoyable experience (for me).

A - Pours with a small head of light tan foam on top of a black body. The foam settles out rapidly and leaves only light traces of lace in its wake.

S - Spicy, smoky notes of whiskey with nutty caramel and a hint of chocolate.

T - Sweet malt up front with caramel and dark roasted grain. Some vanilla in the middle with a hint of smoke and a bit of sherry. Finishes with thick toffee and notes of maple sugar as well as a smoky aftertaste that works with the sweetness and stays away from any harsh, peat like notes.

M - A moderately thick, yet syrupy body, with a balanced finish.

D - Nicely balanced with a smoky character that is milder than some other scotch barrel beers I have had. The sweetness really stands out but works pretty well against the dark malt and alcohol.

A: no head on a black body with light passing through creating a red hue.

S: vanilla, oak, whiskey and confectioners chocolate.

T: more vanilla, whiskey, dark chocolate which together form a little tangy flavor. The whiskey stands out and makes the beer. mild smokey notes.

M: light carbonation making this one very smooth and a touch oily medium to full body.

Overall: A little mild and definitely sweet. The whiskey makes this one. Fairly different from Paradox Islay but good in its own right.