Toppling Goliath — Assassin 2022

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with profound bourbon barrel influence, releasing waves of vanilla-laced oak, dark chocolate, and espresso alongside whispers of dried cherry and warming alcohol. On the palate, luxurious molasses and burnt caramel form the foundation, interwoven with roasted coffee, bittersweet cocoa, and subtle tobacco notes. The bourbon character remains assertive yet integrated, lending spice and wood tannins. The finish is remarkably long and warming, with lingering dark chocolate, toasted oak, and a faint raisin sweetness that balances the roast bitterness. Full-bodied and viscous, with a velvety mouthfeel that belies its considerable strength.

Food Pairing

Pair with a rich chocolate torte featuring salted caramel or espresso ganache, where the beer’s bourbon barrel complexity and roasted notes amplify the dessert’s intensity. Alternatively, serve alongside aged Gouda or manchego with dark chocolate shavings—the cheese’s crystalline texture and nutty sweetness complement the beer’s caramel depths while the chocolate bridges its roasted character.

About Toppling Goliath Brewing Company

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company was founded in 2009 in Decorah, Iowa, a small town in the northeastern part of the state. What began as a modest operation has evolved into one of America’s most sought-after craft breweries, earning a cult following among beer enthusiasts worldwide. The brewery has built its reputation on producing exceptionally bold, hop-forward beers with meticulous attention to ingredient quality and brewing precision.

Toppling Goliath is particularly renowned for its India Pale Ales, with their flagship offerings showcasing intensely aromatic hop profiles and complex flavour layering. The brewery’s commitment to small-batch production and limited distribution has only heightened demand for their beers, which often appear on allocation lists and trade highly among collectors. Their brewing philosophy centres on pushing boundaries while maintaining balance and drinkability, even in their most intensely flavoured offerings.

The name itself reflects the David versus Goliath ethos of craft brewing, with a small independent brewery challenging established industry giants through quality and innovation. Their beers consistently rank among the highest-rated in the world, cementing Toppling Goliath’s status as an iconic American craft brewery.

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