Tartarus Beers Bourbon Cerberus | Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

Tartarus Beers — the Leeds-based mythologically inspired micro brewery — brings its signature obsession with darkness and depth to the Bourbon Cerberus, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout that takes no prisoners. In the glass it pours jet black and impenetrably opaque, with a mocha-tinted head of fine, persistent bubbles that slowly recede to a creamy collar, leaving sheets of sticky lacing on the way down. On the nose, the bourbon barrel makes its presence felt immediately: wave after wave of charred oak, vanilla pod, caramel, and toasted coconut mingle with the deep roasted malt base, conjuring dark chocolate truffles and espresso.

The palate is voluptuous and full-bodied, with a thick, almost silky mouthfeel characteristic of the brewery’s heavy-hitting stouts. Sweetness from the barrel melds seamlessly with bittersweet dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a whisper of molasses. Bitterness is present but firmly subordinate to the rich, enveloping malt character. The finish is long and warming, with bourbon oak and roasted grain lingering pleasurably. Best enjoyed slowly as a contemplative sipper; cellaring will further integrate the barrel character. Explore more on the Untappd community page for Tartarus Beers.

Food Pairing

The Tartarus Beers Bourbon Cerberus imperial stout pairs magnificently with a flourless dark chocolate and salted caramel tart — the beer’s vanilla-laced bourbon sweetness echoes the caramel while the roasted bitterness cuts through the richness. Equally compelling alongside a board of aged hard cheeses such as a 24-month Comté or a sharp English cheddar, where the fat and umami depth of the cheese play beautifully against the full-bodied, barrel-forward character of this extraordinary English imperial stout.

Tartarus Beers Bourbon Cerberus Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout