@youngmasterales doing a collab beer with @smithstreettaps is definitely one of the most unexpected collabs of all time, right up there with Eminem & Dido, and Paul Mccartney, Kanye, Rihanna. And just like the two aforementioned music collabs, this beer collab produced something wonderful.⠀
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The Smith Street Anniversary Beer is an imperial stout that clocks in at 10.5% ABV. It seems to be a trend with Young Master Brewery that their imperial stouts tend to have a thin body. Sure, it’s more suited for guzzling in the harsh climate of Southeast Asia, but the body of the beer isn’t nearly as robust as the flavours & scents. Speaking of which, the usual aromas of roasted coffee, molasses & just a little bit of vanilla were present. What made this beer really special, however, was the extra notes of oak & bourbon.⠀
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Yes indeed, this stout was aged in Rebel Yell bourbon barrels, and it definitely shows. The oak flavours were quite prominent in the background, and the unmistakable malty sweetness of bourbon meshed well with the roasted coffee notes. Truly a beer worthy commemorate an era of tapping up great pints. ⠀
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I remember when I first started paying (alarmingly) regular visits to Smith Street Taps and then drunkenly staggering home after last call, and long may it continue for many more years to come.