hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Emerald Barrel Aged

Tap to rate

Emerald Barrel Aged is the imperial version of the brewery's export stout, aged for two years in Irish whiskey barrels and released as a special edition for St Patrick's Day. Over that time the complexity of the malts has merged with the wood. The whiskey barrel is clearly present, joined by a smoky, peaty note, and the beer is decadent and full-flavoured, with a long, satisfying warmth at 14.4 %.

ABV
14.4%
Bitterness
Very bitter
SRM
dark40
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
smokyoakmalty
smoky
oak
malty
earthy
roasted
chocolate
Aroma
Irish whiskey barrel character leads the bouquet, accompanied by distinct smoky and peaty notes that reflect the extended wood aging.
also:dark fruit
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,spicy

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Emerald Barrel Aged

◎ Appearance

Deep garnet to black in the glass, with an opaque body and minimal light transmission typical of the style. A dense, tan head forms on the pour and maintains moderate retention, leaving intermittent lacing down the glass. The carbonation is restrained, appropriate for a high-strength, barrel-aged imperial stout.

deep blackopaquemoderate head retention

◌ Aroma

Irish whiskey barrel character leads the bouquet, accompanied by distinct smoky and peaty notes that reflect the extended wood aging. Beneath the wood influence lies rich, dark malt complexity—roasted cocoa, dark chocolate, and subtle charred grain. A faint medicinal edge emerges as the beer opens, underpinning the overall composure.

whiskey barrelsmoky, peatyroasted maltchocolate notes

◐ Taste

The palate enters with full-bodied warmth and settled sweetness from the dark malts, which integrates seamlessly with the whiskey barrel oak. Mid-palate reveals layered complexity: burnt sugar, leather, and a light ashy character that extends across the tongue. Bitterness registers at moderate levels (65 IBU), providing structure without dominance, while the 14.4% alcohol creates a creeping warmth.

full-bodiedwhiskey-oak integrationburnt sugarleather

◑ Finish

A long, warming finish persists, marked by lingering barrel oak, subtle peat smoke, and a drying, slightly woody aftertaste. The alcohol heat extends the conclusion without harshness, leaving a satisfying sense of depth and maturity.

long finishwarming alcoholwoody drying
84
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
86
Appearance
80
Finish
82
Serve at 13–16°C

Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.

Pint glass

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.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Emerald Barrel Aged

More from Lough Gill Brewery

Andersons
Andersons
Irish Red Ale
4% · 28 IBU
Find matches →
Breakers
Breakers
Pale Ale
4.2% · 35 IBU
Find matches →
Bright Eyed
Celtic
Celtic
Irish Red Ale
6.5% · 28 IBU
Find matches →
Cutback
Cutback
Hazy IPA
4.5% · 50 IBU
Find matches →
Emerald
Emerald
Foreign Extra Stout
7% · 40 IBU
Find matches →
High King
High King
Barleywine
20% · 50 IBU
Find matches →
Lost Armada
Lost Armada
West Coast IPA
5% · 60 IBU
Find matches →

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 smoky, rich, oak character as Emerald Barrel Aged will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

FEATURED IN

Compare with another beer →Explore all Imperial Stout beers in hopIQ →Browse Ireland beers →