Full-bodied and gently sweet.
A slow, coating pour that settles on the tongue and rewards the sip that follows.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for XI
◎ Appearance
Deep black-brown with an opaque, impenetrable core and mahogany edges where light passes through. A dense, tan head settles to a thin collar, leaving clean lacing that clings to the glass. Low carbonation produces a languid, syrupy visual character befitting the barrel-aged format.
◌ Aroma
Espresso and dark roasted malt dominate the nose, supported by rich chocolate and vanilla notes from the ex-bourbon barrels. Amburana wood brings warm spice and subtle coconut undertones. The alcohol sits integrated into the coffee aromatics rather than solvent-sharp, with a gentle sweetness threading through.
◐ Taste
Entry is bold and smooth, with roasted malt and coffee flavour building immediately across the palate. Mid-palate reveals layers of dark chocolate, vanilla, and a cinnamon-like spice that lengthens the sensation. The 11.8% ABV delivers alcohol warmth without harshness, folded seamlessly into the coffee and oak framework. Residual sweetness persists without cloying.
◑ Finish
The finish is long and warming, with coffee and chocolate lingering on the palate as a gentle alcohol heat builds. Drying oak and faint coconut vanish slowly, leaving an impressionistic sweetness and roasted character.
Serve & Enjoy
How to get the most out of XI
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 XI
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, coffee, sweet character as XI will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.