This was brewed to be mixed with another beer called Yang in order to make a modern take on a Black & Tan.
And a bloody mental Black & Tan it would be too.
But I didn’t buy the Yang, just this here Yin, and it’s a fabulously thick and oily Imperial Stout.
Pouring an oil slick black, the smell is wood smoke infused stewed prunes, coffee and treacle.
Taking a mouthful you get a big boozy brandy hit before you find the chewy molasses, burned toast and roasted nutty biscuit of the beer’s body.
There’s masses of coffee too, heavy brain tingling black coffee, and a bunch of orange marmalade and red crunchy leaf litter hops that take you by your by now slightly squiffy hand and lead you to a big fat profiterole of a finish.
Mix Yin and Yang?
I’m perfectly happy to be off balance.

Source: Cotteridge Wines