Dark Sunset
Lough Gill Brewing Company

Lough Gill Brewing Co. "Dark Sunset"
14.9 fl. oz. can
$4.99 @ Roger Wilco, Pennsauken, NJ

Notes via stream of consciousness: Ahh, this is from Ireland, I had no idea. The label reads "whiskey barrel aged imperial oatmeal stout", and "alc 11% vol". It's a very dark brown that appears just about black in the full glass, topped by a short head of creamy tan. The aroma clearly displays Bourbon and yeasty dark fruitiness over a caramelish and lightly toasty malt base. On to the flavor, the Bourbon remains but it's not as prominent as you might think based on the aroma. The rich maltiness envelops it and it becomes just another note. There's also that same dark fruitiness (black raisin, dried plum, dried fig) and just a touch of oaky dryness. The malt remains caramelish and toasty but there's also some soft , ashen roastiness to it. I have to admit that I thought the malt might be a little bit richer, but at 11% ABV I understand why it is like it is, and having said that, I should also note that there is a bit of alcohol that comes through, as it should, and it's not unpleasant - it's not harsh or hot or too forward. In the mouth it's medium bodied and quite smooth with a restrained carbonation, which explains why the head unfortunately dropped quite quickly and left no lacing behind. In the end it's not as grand as i thought it would be, but it still certainly lives up to its description. I'd gladly buy this again, mainly to drink as a kind of dessert after dinner, or while relaxing with a good book or sitting in front of the fire - nice relaxing things. That is not to say, however, that I wouldn't have one at another time, but at 11% ABV I'd be a bit cautious about it. Worth trying.
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