Year of New Beer: Ruffian Toasted Almond & Coconut, Blue Stallion Brewing Co. (Lexington)

Written By: Dion on 01/26/2021

Count me among those that are happy to see Blue Stallion thumb their nose at the reinheitsgebot to brew this beauty. After all, we don't want any German beer purity laws getting in the way of such creativity. The nose is just decadent...fudge brownie with hints of char and subtle coconut. Warmth lets the bourbon develop, giving off hints of caramel and oak. Transitions perfectly to the tongue. This beer is thick and black as night. Chocolate dipped dark fruits melt into earthy, roasted malts, with the almond adding another layer to the sweetness. Coconut remains content in the background. Bourbon builds as the glass warms, but it never overpowers, instead offering a gentle but persistent reminder that you're dealing with 10.5%. In my opinion, this is the best beer that Blue Stallion has ever done, and it demands a seat at Lexington's very formidable barrel-aged stout table.