The weight carries the beer on its own, leaving the aromatics free to lead.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Black Ops
◎ Appearance
Deep black with a brown edge, completely opaque and impenetrable to light. A dense, tan head forms and clings persistently to the glass, leaving distinct lacing on the walls. The body is full and viscous, with minimal visible carbonation.
◌ Aroma
Cocoa and milk chocolate dominate the nose, supported by subtle vanilla and oak from the bourbon barrel aging. Clean roast and liquorice undertones emerge with time, while the alcohol is warm but restrained on the initial inhale. No hop character is detectable—the single use of Willamette remains entirely integrated.
◐ Taste
Cocoa nib and chocolate anchor the palate, followed closely by caramelised sugar and soft bourbon sweetness that coats without cloying. Vanilla-edged oak provides structure, with toffee and clean roast filling the mid-palate. The 65 IBU bitterness is present but gentle, never aggressive, allowing the barrel influence and malt complexity to remain central.
◑ Finish
Long and warming, with a woody dryness that persists gently on the palate. The high alcohol (12.4%) integrates seamlessly, leaving a lingering impression of roast, cocoa, and bourbon oak without heat or harshness.
Serve & Enjoy
How to get the most out of Black Ops
Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.
The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.
Can be cellared 2–5 years. Develops dark fruit, leather and port-like complexity with age.
Food Pairing
What to eat with Black Ops
About Imperial Stout
Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives
What is a Imperial Stout?
Stouts are dark ales with roasted barley character, 4–8% ABV and IBU 25–45. Expect coffee, dark chocolate and toast flavors with a creamy body and dry finish.
Finding a similar Imperial Stout
hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same chocolate, caramel, oak character as Black Ops will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.