The annual launch of Brooklyn Brewery’s Black Ops arrived on the tail finish of 2025, and whereas it as soon as once more leans on 4 Roses barrels for getting old its Russian Imperial stout, this time the getting old routine is barely three months as a substitute of the 9 months it has beforehand sat in barrels. Curiously, 4 Roses Small Batch barrels are laid out in 2025 (although that’s maybe splitting hairs).
Let’s style.
Spoiler alert: This is likely to be my favourite Black Ops so far. Daring however by no means overbearing, this beer kicks off with bittersweet espresso notes, laced with darkish chocolate and touched with vanilla. Followers of espresso stouts will completely gravitate to this brew — as ought to everybody else, due to its creamy but crisp physique and racy fruit tones that lightly shift from recent cherry to raisin as they linger on the palate. Mocha notes linger properly into the end, with that iconic molasses character undulating on the again finish. The excellent news is it by no means strikes an aggressively candy or cloying be aware as many barrel-aged beers (and a few prior Black Ops) can do, with a vigorous bitterness at all times preserving this beer on its ft.
12.4% abv.
A / $20 per four-pack of 16 oz cans
Brooklyn Brewery Black Ops (2025)
USD20
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