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Black Hole

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Dark chocolate and malt flavours dominate this imperial stout at 8.4%, rich and dry. It is billed as unimaginable depth, so dark that not even light escapes, which explains the name Black Hole, and it comes in a can.

ABV
8.4%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Roasted bitterness
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
chocolatemaltyroasted
chocolate
malty
roasted
coffee
dark fruit
Aroma
The nose is dominated by roasted dark chocolate and cocoa, layered with substantial Malz depth that suggests black malt and roasted barley.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Black Hole

◎ Appearance

Black Hole presents an opaque, deep black pour with virtually no light transmission, true to its astronomical namesake. The dense tan head forms quickly and clings persistently to the glass walls, building fine Schaumkleiden down the side. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, supporting the substantial malt structure without aggressive effervescence.

jet blackdense tan headminimal claritypersistent lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by roasted dark chocolate and cocoa, layered with substantial Malz depth that suggests black malt and roasted barley. Secondary notes of dried fruit and molasses emerge with time, while restrained hop character provides subtle earthiness without overshadowing the malt-forward profile. Alcohol is present but not harsh, contributing gentle warming notes.

dark chocolateroasted maltcocoamolasses undertone

◐ Taste

Entry is full and smooth, with rich chocolate and coffee flavours establishing immediately across the palate. The mid-palate builds with dry roasted grain character and a subtle mineral edge, while bittering hops at 65 IBU arrive as a clean, assertive finish rather than lingering harshness. The 8.4% ABV remains well-balanced, warming without burning, allowing malt complexity to remain central.

chocolate-forwarddry roasted grainbalanced bitternesswarming alcohol

◑ Finish

The finish extends medium-long, fading gradually from chocolate into dry roasted grain and a faint bitter edge. Aftertaste is clean and slightly astringent, leaving the palate refreshed rather than cloyed despite the beer's richness.

medium-long fadedry aftertasteclean bitter edge
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
84
Appearance
80
Finish
80
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 Black Hole

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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 chocolate, malty, rich character as Black Hole will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Imperial Stout beers in hopIQ →New to Imperial Stout? Read our guide →Browse United Kingdom beers →