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New Holland Dragon's Milk

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Aged in bourbon barrels — rich bourbon, vanilla, oak and dark chocolate over a thick, roasty imperial stout base. One of America's best-selling barrel-aged stouts and a national craft phenomenon. The dragon breathes fire.

ABV
11%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter32 IBU
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark60
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
roasteddark fruitchocolate
roasted
dark fruit
chocolate
oak
vanilla
coffee
Aroma
The nose is dominated by rich bourbon barrel character with prominent vanilla and toasted oak notes layered over dark roasted malt.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for New Holland Dragon's Milk

◎ Appearance

Deep black to dark brown in color with an impenetrable opacity characteristic of imperial stouts. A modest tan head forms initially but recedes gradually, leaving minimal lacing on the glass. The carbonation is restrained, typical of barrel-aged stouts, with a thick, viscous body evident from the slow pour.

ebony blackopaqueminimal headviscous

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by rich bourbon barrel character with prominent vanilla and toasted oak notes layered over dark roasted malt. Subtle dark chocolate and molasses undertones provide sweetness, while faint coffee and dark fruit esters add complexity. The alcohol warmth is noticeable but well-integrated, creating an inviting and sophisticated bouquet.

bourbon barrelvanilla oakroasted maltdark chocolate

◐ Taste

The palate delivers a full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel with upfront roasted and malty flavors that transition seamlessly into bourbon, oak, and dark chocolate notes. Mid-palate richness builds with molasses sweetness and coffee undertones, while the moderate 32 IBU bitterness provides necessary balance without harshness. Alcohol warmth (11% ABV) contributes to a smooth, sophisticated drinking experience.

full-bodiedroastedbourbon-forwardsmooth

◑ Finish

The finish is long and warming, with lingering oak, vanilla, and dark chocolate flavors fading gradually over several minutes. A pleasant alcohol warmth persists without becoming harsh, leaving a dry yet satisfying aftertaste.

lingeringwarmingdry finish
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
89
Appearance
85
Finish
87
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.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with New Holland Dragon's Milk

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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 roasted, dark fruit, rich character as New Holland Dragon's Milk will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Imperial Stouts in hopIQ

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