Brewdog Paradox Smokehead WTF?

Hello. Well of course I will be one of those that likes this beer, as well as Bitch Please. To give you a little background, I have been drinking single malts for the better part of 20 years. I like all the different regions, but Islay is my favorite region. And I do realize most people have a negative gag reaction when trying an Islay, specially the first time. So all those years that I was drinking single malts I was not drinking craft beer, or at least not like now. I didn't drink Bud and Coors, but Harp, Franziskaner, Twisted Thistle, etc. Not exactly run of the mill beer, but not craft beer as I have come to know it.

So a few years ago I came across BrewDog and instantly fell in love. BrewDog led me to Stone, Avery, Dogfish, Founders, etc. So that's why BrewDog is near and dear to my heart. I think I react to their beers most favorably because it is brewed in Scotland with their water and barley, etc., which is the same basis for all the single malts I've been drinking.

In any case, rest assured, that Bitch Please and Paradox Smokehead are extremely well made beers, because the whisky note is extremely authentic. Now if you don't like Islay single malts then it makes sense that you don't like the beer. It's a great beer though, both of them. For those curious, if you go to a tea place that carries loose tea, ask them if they have Lapsang Souchong tea. It's very similar in taste and smell to an Islay whisky, which admittedly is not an easy drink for most people.

 

It is the barrel aging that you probably don't like, you just don't like the smoky scotch they used. That flavor is not coming from the beer itself.

 

I didn't find it to be that bad, of course I can handle the intensity from the scotch, it definitely takes getting used to, you were more than likely shocked by the scotch more than anything.

 

Did you see they released a special Bitch Please Islay today? I want to get it but it costs so much to ship to the States.

 

Definitely one of the smokiest beers I have ever had and it was quite delicious and complex. Mine's had a bit of sweetness to it so that added another layer to it.

 

I got a bottle if you want to trade for it. Send me a message or post on my profile page.

 

I tried a bottle of smokehead last sat. I enjoyed it but I'm also a fan of islay scotch. Took me a minute to get adjusted to the taste. Tasted like scotch with fuller body, no alcohol burn, and a stout beer finish. If you don't already like islay scotch then this one is probably not for you.

 

The thread here just mirrors the common consensus on this beer. I'm planning to hold onto mine for another 3-4 years before partaking in the hope that it might all become more integrated and less toxic. Not hopeful though. Islay barrels and beer just doesn't go.

 

I have not found this beer but reading the descriptions it sounds like I need to seek it out. I am a Whiskey guy at heart, I love a good whiskey wether Bourbon or Scotch. That love really got me into BA beers and I love seeing what the Barrel does to the beer, which is why Ilove the Ola Dubh series. I have been looking for a beer that has Islay character, is this the beer I have been looking for?

 

keep in mind, similar tones often ring out when folks accidentally or otherwise try certain Ardbegs or Laphroaigs for the first time/unexpectedly.

point being, the original product out of the barrel source can inspire similar reactions from those unfamiliar. the good news is you hear all the time: When I first bought & tried my green bottle of bacon, coal ashes & iodine, i thought i'd choke to death or die from inhalation. A year or so & a few tries later, I've learned I love having my own fireplace in a bottle."

 

I actually found two bottles still at my liquor store, I am eager to try, but I can see it was not very popular, drink by date was oct 2010

 

I have a bottle of this and keep meaning to drink it. Smokehead (the scotch) is pretty damn smokey I've heard. I love smokey things and whiskey so I'll probably like this from the sound of it.