Our Score: 99/100
Overview
Finback BA The Hawk & Whale is not just an impressive feat of brewing but a divine art form. Brewed in collaboration with Horus Aged Ales, this Imperial Coffee Stout aged in bourbon barrels for 15 months, with Kopi Luwak coffee and then finished with a final layer of the said coffee, is more than a beverage. It’s a luxurious experience that engages all the senses during the savoring. With a near-perfect score of 99/100, it sits atop the echelons of supreme craft beers.
Aroma: 12
Upon first sniff, the beer introduces itself through a rich and robust orchestra of aromas. Intense vanilla and caramel notes harmonize perfectly with the bold scent of coffee and chocolate. An underlying note of almond adds a mild, nutty warmth, while the roasted malt and bourbon-like oak notes provide a mature, grounded element to the aromatic mix. The character-filled aroma of this beer signals the sensory adventure that awaits.
Appearance: 3
Presentation certainly isn’t an afterthought with Finback BA The Hawk & Whale. It features an inky, bold appearance that does not only hold allure but carries an enticing promise of the richness to come. Its physical characteristic is most compelling, drawing the drinker to understand what lies beneath this dark visage.
Flavor: 20
The promise hinted at by the aroma and appearance comes to fruition with an impressive foray of flavors. The more assertive oak character in the flavor is suitably complemented by notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted marshmallow. The barrel qualities intertwined perfectly with the base beer, resulting in an amalgamation born for palate pleasure. The finish is quite memorable, with lingering notes of chocolate, smoke, spice, and chewy sweetness. It is without a doubt a flavor profile to be appreciated slowly and consciously.
Mouthfeel: 5
The mouthfeel of this beer is splendid in its own right. Though it carries noticeable alcohol content, it is far from overly harsh. Instead, it seamlessly introduces a pleasant warmth alongside the various flavor notes, which adds to the overall richness of the drinking experience. The mouthfeel of this beer is smooth, becoming a perfect foundation for the complex flavors to unfold.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Finback BA The Hawk & Whale is an extravagant choice for beer lovers globally. The richness that both the olfactory and gustatory senses receive from this beer is not easily compared to. While the powerful coffee and chocolate notes might be the initial selling point, the drinker soon discovers there’s so much more unfolding in this distinctive blend. It’s a drink to savor, indulge in, and truly appreciate in all its complexity
S depth and complexity to the aroma, creating an irresistible invitation to take the first sip.
Appearance: 13
The beer pours thick and viscous, producing a dark ebony color that is reminiscent of a moonless night. A tan head forms on top, dissipating slowly and leaving behind a delicate lacing on the glass. The beer is mesmerizing to look at, with its deep, opaque body and inviting foam.
Taste: 14
As the liquid touches the palate, a symphony of flavors unfold. The rich and velvety texture of the stout coats the tongue, carrying layers of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and toffee. The bourbon barrel aging imparts a subtle warmth and sweetness, complementing the robust coffee flavors. The finish is smooth and lingering, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that keeps you coming back for more.
Mouthfeel: 13
The mouthfeel of this beer is nothing short of luxurious. It is full-bodied and creamy, with a velvety smoothness that glides effortlessly across the tongue. The carbonation is gentle, adding a slight liveliness to the beer without overpowering its richness. It is a delight to sip and savor, allowing the flavors to fully envelop the senses.
Overall: 47
Finback BA The Hawk & Whale is a masterpiece of brewing craftsmanship. It is a beer that demands to be savored and appreciated. From its intoxicating aroma to its indulgent flavor profile and luxurious mouthfeel, every sip is a delight. With a near-perfect score of 99/100, it is clear that this beer is in a league of its own. It is a testament to the skill and passion of the brewers, and a true gem in the world of craft beer.
S complexity and depth to the aroma.
Appearance: 14
The appearance of Finback BA The Hawk & Whale is nothing short of stunning. Its liquid obsidian hue is punctuated by a thick, tan head that lingers for a while before dissipating. The beer coats the glass with a beautiful lacing that showcases its viscosity.
Flavor: 18
The flavor profile of this imperial coffee stout is a symphony of indulgence. The upfront taste is a blend of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and subtle hints of bourbon. As it develops on the palate, notes of molasses, toffee, and oak emerge, creating a rich and complex flavor profile. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a pleasant warmth from the alcohol.
Mouthfeel: 18
The mouthfeel of Finback BA The Hawk & Whale is luxurious and velvety. It has a full-bodied presence that coats the tongue with a smooth and creamy texture. The carbonation is just right, adding a subtle sparkle without overpowering the overall experience.
Overall: 19
With its impeccable craftsmanship and exceptional flavors, Finback BA The Hawk & Whale is a true masterpiece. It showcases the height of brewing excellence and offers a sensory journey that is unparalleled. Its near-perfect score of 99/100 is well-deserved, solidifying its position as one of the finest craft beers available. If you have the opportunity to try it, do not hesitate – you won’t be disappointed.
S depth and complexity to the aroma, making it even more enticing.
Appearance: 10
The appearance of Finback BA The Hawk & Whale is nothing short of stunning. With its deep, dark brown color and a thick, creamy tan head, it immediately draws attention. The head settles into a persistent layer, leaving behind intricate lacing on the glass as you drink.
Taste: 10
The first sip of this Imperial Coffee Stout is like a moment of pure indulgence. The flavors of rich dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and bourbon blend seamlessly, creating a decadent symphony on the palate. The sweetness from the caramel and vanilla undertones balances perfectly with a slight bitterness from the coffee, resulting in a velvety smooth and well-balanced taste.
Mouthfeel: 9
The mouthfeel of Finback BA The Hawk & Whale is full-bodied and velvety. It coats the mouth with a luxurious texture, leaving behind a lingering warmth from the alcohol. The carbonation is moderate, adding a pleasant effervescence without overpowering the richness of the beer.
Overall: 10
It’s no surprise that Finback BA The Hawk & Whale has earned such a high score. From its divine aroma to its indulgent taste and luxurious mouthfeel, every aspect of this beer screams excellence. Whether you’re a fan of stouts or simply appreciate a finely crafted beer, this is a must-try. It’s a true masterpiece of the brewing world and will leave you yearning for more.
S depth and complexity to the aroma, creating an enticing and inviting experience for the nose.
Appearance: 15
In the glass, The Hawk & Whale presents as a luscious and dark beer, almost black in color. Its thick and creamy tan head sits atop the liquid, providing a visually appealing contrast. The beer boasts a velvety smoothness that is visually enticing, leaving a desire to dive right into the glass.
Taste: 18
The taste of The Hawk & Whale is as captivating as its aroma and appearance. From the first sip, the flavors explode on the palate. The rich, dark chocolate is perfectly balanced by the smooth sweetness of caramel and vanilla. The coffee notes blend seamlessly with the deep roasted malt flavors, creating a complex and layered taste profile. The bourbon barrel aging adds a subtle warmth and depth to the overall flavor, making each sip a luxurious experience.
Mouthfeel: 17
With a full and velvety body, The Hawk & Whale coats the mouth in a decadent and satisfying way. The carbonation is just right, providing a gentle effervescence that lifts the flavors without overpowering them. The smooth and creamy texture enhances the overall experience, making it a pleasure to savor with every sip.
Overall: 37
Finback BA The Hawk & Whale is an outstanding example of what a craft beer can be. From its captivating aroma to its complex flavor profile and luxurious mouthfeel, it offers a truly divine drinking experience. With a near-perfect score of 99/100, it’s clear that this beer is a masterpiece and should not be missed by any beer enthusiast.